If there’s one thing Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t do, it’s fake emotion. After Sunday’s 37–24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Campbell let his heart — and his mouth — do the talking when asked about veteran running back David Montgomery.
And his response? It was pure Campbell — unfiltered, raw, and passionate.
“He’s all f***ing team, excuse my language,” Campbell said. “So love the guy. We’re fortunate to have him, and he’s a stud.”
That quote alone could hang on a wall inside Ford Field. It sums up exactly what Montgomery brings to this team: grit, toughness, and total commitment to the cause.
Montgomery’s Emotional Homecoming
For Montgomery, this wasn’t just another Sunday. This game meant something deeply personal.
It was his first time playing professionally in his hometown of Cincinnati, and it came with an emotional twist — his sister, who was paralyzed in a tragic car accident, was able to attend her first NFL game since.
Montgomery made the moment unforgettable. He rushed 18 times for 65 yards and a touchdown, and even threw a touchdown pass in the first half. It was the kind of all-around performance that doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet — it inspires a locker room.
“To be able to get her here, I really appreciate the Cincinnati Bengals for making sure she got on the field,” Montgomery said to 97.1 The Ticket. “That was really special.”
For him, it wasn’t about the numbers — it was about family, faith, and fighting through pain for something bigger than football.
The Coach Who Gets It
Dan Campbell knew exactly what that day meant for Montgomery. You could hear it in his voice and see it in his body language.
There’s something rare about a coach who connects with his players beyond the X’s and O’s — and Campbell has made that his trademark. He builds men, not just athletes.
So when he dropped that F-bomb, it wasn’t careless emotion — it was respect in its purest form. Campbell wasn’t just praising a player; he was acknowledging the kind of man Montgomery is.
All Heart, All Team
Montgomery has always been the definition of a team-first player. Whether he’s grinding through tackles, blocking for his quarterback, or pushing through injuries, he’s never the loudest voice — but always the most reliable one.
That’s exactly why Campbell’s words hit so hard. Because every coach wants a guy like that — the one who shows up, works, and bleeds blue every Sunday.
“He’s all f***ing team.”
There’s no better compliment in football.
The Bottom Line
Dan Campbell’s fiery endorsement of David Montgomery wasn’t just another viral quote — it was a window into Detroit’s culture. A culture built on toughness, brotherhood, and doing things the right way.
Montgomery’s performance in his hometown — paired with Campbell’s genuine emotion — reminded everyone what this Lions team is all about: heart over hype.
And if Campbell’s postgame energy is any indication, Detroit’s locker room isn’t just strong — it’s unbreakable.