By Moses Joshua 
A veteran runner responds to fewer touches with accountability, confidence, and an unwavering team-first mindset
As the Detroit Lions’ offense continues to evolve around explosive playmakers, one noticeable shift has been the changing dynamic in the backfield. David Montgomery, long known for his physical running style and reliability, has seen his role shrink as Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the featured option. Yet when Montgomery finally addressed the situation publicly, his response was anything but defensive.
Instead of frustration, the veteran delivered a message rooted in self-belief and responsibility—an approach that underscores why his voice still carries weight inside the locker room.
Confidence That Hasn’t Faded
Montgomery made it clear that a reduced workload hasn’t shaken his belief in what he brings to the field. Even with fewer carries and no starts this season, his confidence remains intact.
“Yeah, I mean, I’m always confident in myself, but yeah, I know what I can do, everybody know what I can do, too,” Montgomery said. “And again, whenever it’s time for me to go, it’s time for me to go, time for me to ball out.”
Those words reflect a player who understands opportunity in the NFL is often fleeting—and who intends to be ready the moment it arrives.
Accountability Over Excuses
Rather than pointing to usage or game plans, Montgomery turned the spotlight inward when asked about his current role. His answer was blunt, honest, and revealing.
“I just do my job. That’s not up to me. Whenever my name is called and my number’s called, I got to just be ready. I got to play better. I haven’t been playing good enough to even be out there, so I just got to, whenever my number’s called, I got to be ready for it.”
It’s a rare level of self-critique from a veteran player, and it speaks volumes about Montgomery’s mindset. Instead of measuring value by touches, he’s measuring it by preparation and performance.
Embracing a Crowded Offensive Spotlight
Montgomery also acknowledged the challenge of finding touches in an offense overflowing with talent. With Gibbs in the backfield and Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams commanding attention out wide, opportunities are naturally limited.
“It’s tough when you got somebody as special as Jahmyr and you got Saint, you got Jamo. It’s playmakers all over the field, so that’s a tough job for a coach to try to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers.”
Rather than viewing the situation as personal, Montgomery framed it as the reality of a deep, competitive roster—and one that requires patience and adaptability.
“Stay the Course” Means Staying Locked In
Following Detroit’s loss to the Rams, Montgomery posted a brief message on social media—“Stay the course 5”—that some fans interpreted as frustration. He was quick to clarify the meaning behind it.
“I mean, we lost. Just telling myself, just to remind myself just stay in it, stay in the fight so we can get a chance of getting a run at this playoffs.”
The message wasn’t about touches or roles. It was about resilience, focus, and keeping the bigger picture in mind as the Lions push toward the postseason.
The Bigger Picture
David Montgomery isn’t asking for sympathy, and he isn’t demanding change. He’s doing what veterans do best in moments like these: staying ready, staying honest, and staying committed to the team’s goals.
For a Lions squad fighting for playoff positioning, that steady presence could prove just as valuable as any stat line. And if the moment comes when his number is called again, Montgomery has made one thing clear—he’ll be ready.