David Montgomery has become a standout name in the NFL, known for his impressive skills and dedication. Born on June 7, 1997, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Montgomery's journey from high school star to professional running back is nothing short of inspiring. At 5 ft 11 in and 224 lbs, he combines power and agility, making him a formidable force on the field. After a stellar college career at Iowa State University, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2019. Now with the Detroit Lions, Montgomery continues to shine, showcasing his versatility and leadership. Let's dive into 50 fascinating facts about this remarkable athlete.
Key Takeaways:
- David Montgomery, a talented NFL running back, overcame limited college recruitment to become a star player. His impressive stats and leadership make him a valuable asset on and off the field.
- Known for his consistent fantasy football production and community involvement, Montgomery's impact extends beyond the game. His resilience and achievements inspire young athletes and fans alike.
Early Life and Background
David Montgomery's journey to the NFL began in Cincinnati, Ohio. His early years were marked by exceptional talent and dedication.
- Full Name: David Montgomery
- Date of Birth: June 7, 1997
- Age: 27 years old
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.8 m)
- Weight: 224 lbs (102 kgs)
- College: Iowa State University
- Draft: 2019 – Round 3, Pick 73 (Chicago Bears)
- Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
- High School: Mount Healthy High School
- High School Achievements: Named Division III Ohio Player of the Year and Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year in 2015.
- High School Career Stats: Rushed for 6,666 yards and 91 touchdowns over four years.
- High School Rushing Record: Had seven 200-yard games and three 300-yard games, including one 373-yard performance.
- High School Awards: Named the Division III Ohio Player of the Year and Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year in 2015.
College Career
Despite a stellar high school career, Montgomery faced limited recruitment. His choice to attend Iowa State University proved pivotal.
- College Recruiting: Despite a record-breaking high school career, Montgomery was only lightly recruited to continue his football career in college. He was recruited by Miami (OH), Ball State, Buffalo, and Iowa State.
- College Commitment: Eventually committed to Iowa State University.
- College Achievements: Earned multiple All-American honors, including being named a First-team All-American by Pro Football Focus in 2017.
- College Stats: Rushed for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns in his college career, ranking sixth in Iowa State history for rushing yards and eighth for rushing touchdowns.
- College Awards: Named First-team All-Big 12 and Doak Walker Award watch list during his time at Iowa State.
NFL Draft and Early Career
Montgomery's transition to the NFL began when the Chicago Bears selected him in the 2019 draft. His rookie season showcased his potential.
- NFL Draft: Selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 73rd overall pick.
- Rookie Contract: Signed a four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears on June 14, 2019.
- Rookie Season: Made his NFL debut with the Bears in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, rushing for 18 yards on six attempts and catching one pass for 27 yards.
- Early Career Stats: In his rookie season, Montgomery rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns, while also catching 25 passes for 185 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Career with Chicago Bears
Montgomery's time with the Bears was marked by significant achievements and challenges, including injuries that tested his resilience.
- Breakout Season: Had a breakout game in Week 8 of the 2019 season against the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing for an NFL-second-best 135 yards and a touchdown.
- Season Highlights: In the 2020 season, Montgomery rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, while also catching 54 passes for 438 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
- Injury Impact: Missed a chunk of the 2021 season due to a severe knee sprain, which affected his production.
Move to Detroit Lions
In 2023, Montgomery's career took a new turn with a move to the Detroit Lions, where he continued to excel.
- Trade to Detroit Lions: Traded to the Detroit Lions in 2023.
- Contract with Lions: Signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Detroit Lions on March 16, 2023.
- 2023 Season Stats: Rushed for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also catching 16 passes for 117 receiving yards in 14 games and starts.
Awards and Honors
Montgomery's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his college and professional career.
- College Awards: Named Second-team All-Big 12 in 2018 and First-team All-Big 12 in 2017.
- Pro Football Focus Awards: Named First-team Pro Football Focus All-American in 2017.
- Doak Walker Award Watch List: Appeared on the Doak Walker Award watch list during his college career.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Montgomery's personal achievements and community involvement highlight his character and leadership.
- Eagle Scout: An Eagle Scout, reflecting his commitment to community service and leadership.
- Dual-Threat Quarterback: In high school, Montgomery was a dual-threat quarterback, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Career Highlights
Montgomery's career is filled with memorable moments and impressive stats that demonstrate his impact on the field.
- Longest Run: Had an 80-yard touchdown run in Week 14 of the 2020 season, which was the fourth-longest run in Bears history and the team’s first opening play touchdown since 1995.
- Forced Missed Tackles: Led the nation in forced missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus for the second-straight year in college.
- Fourth-Down Conversions: Successful on 5-of-6 fourth-down conversion chances during his college career.
Fantasy Football Impact
Montgomery's consistent performance has made him a valuable asset in fantasy football leagues.
- Fantasy Production: Known for his consistent fantasy production, particularly in rushing yards and touchdowns.
- Fantasy Stats: In the 2023 season, Montgomery averaged 7.3 yards per carry and scored a touchdown in 11 different games, making him a valuable asset in fantasy football.
Team Success
Montgomery's contributions have played a significant role in his team's success, both in college and the NFL.
- Team Performance: The Detroit Lions, with Montgomery as a key player, had a successful 2023 season, finishing with a 9-1 record and making it to the NFC Championship game.
- Playoff Performance: In the NFC Championship game, Montgomery had 113 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown, contributing to the team's effort despite the loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Career Milestones
Montgomery has achieved several significant milestones throughout his career, reflecting his talent and hard work.
- 1,000-Yard Seasons: Became the eighth Cyclone with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, achieving this milestone in both 2017 and 2018.
- 100-Yard Games: Had seven 100-yard rushing games in college, tying for third on Iowa State’s season list.
- Rushing Touchdowns: Tied for second in the Big 12 with 13 rushing touchdowns in the 2018 season.
Current Status
Montgomery continues to be an active and influential player in the NFL, now with the Detroit Lions.
- Active Player: Currently an active player in the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions.
- Position: Primarily a running back, known for his versatility and ability to contribute in both rushing and receiving.
Career Stats
Montgomery's career stats highlight his consistent performance and contribution to his teams.
- Rushing Yards: Has accumulated over 4,000 rushing yards in his NFL career, with a high of 1,070 yards in the 2020 season.
- Rushing Touchdowns: Has scored over 20 rushing touchdowns in his NFL career, with a high of eight touchdowns in the 2020 season.
- Receiving Yards: Has caught over 100 passes for receiving yards, with a high of 438 receiving yards in the 2020 season.
Impact on Team
Montgomery's leadership and community involvement have made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
- Leadership Role: Has taken on a leadership role in both his college and professional careers, serving as a co-captain during his final year at Iowa State.
- Community Involvement: Continues to be involved in community service, reflecting his commitment to giving back to his community and inspiring young athletes.
David Montgomery: A Rising Star
David Montgomery's journey from Cincinnati to the NFL showcases his grit and talent. From breaking records at Mount Healthy High School to earning accolades at Iowa State University, his path has been nothing short of impressive. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2019, he quickly made a name for himself with standout performances and consistent production. His move to the Detroit Lions in 2023 marked a new chapter, where he continued to shine, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. Beyond the field, Montgomery's commitment to community service and leadership, highlighted by his Eagle Scout status, sets him apart. As he continues to play, fans eagerly anticipate his future achievements and contributions to the game. Montgomery's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
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