The Detroit Lions made one of the more surprising roster moves of the offseason when they decided to move on from veteran running back David Montgomery. While the decision sparked plenty of reactions across the fan base, one response many people were curious about came from inside the locker room.
That response came from star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown — and his reaction was pretty much what many expected.
St. Brown and Montgomery had built a strong connection during their time together in Detroit. Both players were key pieces of the Lions’ offensive identity, helping the team develop into one of the NFL’s most physical and balanced attacks. Montgomery’s hard-nosed running style perfectly complemented the explosive playmaking of running back Jahmyr Gibbs, giving Detroit a dangerous one-two punch in the backfield.
Because of that, the news of Montgomery’s departure naturally drew attention from teammates. St. Brown’s reaction showed respect for what Montgomery brought to the team while also reflecting the reality of the NFL — where roster moves and tough business decisions are always part of the game.
Montgomery quickly became a fan favorite during his time in Detroit thanks to his tough running style, reliability in short-yardage situations, and leadership in the locker room. His ability to grind out difficult yards played a big role in the Lions’ offensive success.
At the same time, the Lions still have one of the league’s most explosive offensive weapons in Gibbs. The young running back has already proven he can change a game with his speed, agility, and big-play ability, and the team will likely lean on him even more moving forward.
As for St. Brown, the star receiver remains one of the emotional leaders of the offense. His reaction to Montgomery’s departure reflects the respect players often have for teammates who help build the culture of a team — even when those teammates eventually move on.
Detroit’s roster will continue evolving as the team looks to stay competitive in the NFC, but Montgomery’s impact on the Lions during his time with the franchise won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Reaction to David Montgomery Leaving Detroit Feels Exactly Right
