The breaking of Detroit Lions’ elite running back tandem marks the end of an era for many. Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the Houston Texans’ star running back David Montgomery has spoken about his time with Jahmyr Gibbs. 

While speaking with James "Deebo" Harrison and Joe Haden on the Deebo & Joe podcast, the former Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery talked about his time as the best RB duo,” Sonic Knuckles,” with Jahmyr Gibbs and his exit from the Lions. 

“I mean, me and Jahmyr doing stuff together like that was amazing…” David Montgomery said. “... I don't care what nobody says, I think we the best running back duo.” 

After the signing of Montgomery into the Lions squad back in March 2023, the Motown team drafted Jahmyr Gibbs as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Lions' best running back duo was born! 

“To kind of do it together thing that we did in the time span that we did it in for sure,” he added. “But like I, they always try to everybody try to make it against me versus job but like people don't understand like that's my little brother.” 

Montgomery made it clear that he never viewed Gibbs as competition, even while sharing the same backfield in Detroit. Instead, he saw their partnership as one built on trust, complementary skill sets, and a shared goal of helping the Lions win games.

Since Gibbs’ draft, Montgomery has always been like a big brother to him in the locker room. The duo has 557 carries for 2,15 yards and has scored 41 touchdowns in 43 games, per Stat Muse.

Looking back on his Lions tenure, Montgomery also shared his thoughts on the move that sent him to Houston.

David Montgomery reflects on being traded out of Lions

NFL is not just about tackling, throwing, or scoring, it does have another side called “business”, because of which the Detroit Lions’ star David Montgomery had to say goodbye to the Motor City team, per John Maakaron on Detroit Lions on SI.

While making his appearance on the Deebo & Joe podcast, Montgomery reflected on his way out of the Lions, says him parting ways with the Lions was “inevitable”.

"When I was in Detroit, I thought I was going to be there for the rest of my career…" said Montgomery. "...But when you start to get a little older playing the game, at a professional level, and you start to kind of see how things unfold, you gotta get met with like a tough decision. And you know, I was met with that…It was inevitable that it was happening." 

Montgomery was aware of his departure, and he has nothing but love for his team and head coach Dan Campbell.

He highlighted the fact that once a player spends time in the league, he would eventually be replaced in the franchise for business, and he understands that. 

Montgomery accepted that he was heartbroken at his departure, but now he is locked in with the Houston Texans for the 2026 NFL season.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker