David Montgomery will enter Week 5 with an added emotional motivation as he returns to his hometown of Cincinnati to face the Bengals. The star running back for the Detroit Lions expressed the significance of this game, not just for himself, but also for his sister, who will be attending to watch him play for the first time since her devastating accident.
Montgomery reflected on how meaningful this homecoming is, particularly given his sister’s circumstances. “I think this is really special for me because my sister gets to come to the game,” he stated. Tragically, his sister was involved in a severe car accident on Valentine’s Day a year and a half ago, which left her paralyzed from the neck down. With her condition, this game marks a poignant moment for both Montgomery and his family, as she will be able to witness her brother’s performance live.
The running back, who was a standout player in high school at Mount Healthy and later at Iowa State, has only played the Bengals away from home until now. Montgomery shared, “I think it’s just going to be a rush of emotions. I have never played in Cincinnati since leaving Cincinnati, which will be cool. Playing against the team that, when I grew up, that was the team, was like my team. A bunch of my family members are coming.”
As the Lions continue to showcase their dynamic backfield duo of Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, fans can expect to see the Lions making a concerted effort to get Montgomery into the end zone. The presence of family and his sister among the crowd adds to the excitement, bringing a sense of hometown pride as he takes on the Bengals.
This heartfelt narrative not only highlights Montgomery’s dedication and resilience but also encapsulates the strong family bonds that motivate athletes to perform at their best.