Houston, Texas — Just a few weeks after being traded to the Houston Texans, a former star of the Detroit Lions has publicly expressed deep regret and nostalgia for Detroit — the team that helped him become one of the most physical and reliable running backs in the league.
That is David Montgomery, a veteran running back of the Lions, who was traded to the Houston Texans as soon as the 2026 offseason began.
During a recent practice with the Texans, Montgomery suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury and had to leave the field midway through. According to internal sources, the reaction from the Texans coaching staff made him clearly feel the difference in the environment.
“They don’t allow me to get injured here,” Montgomery said with emotion. “The training sessions in Houston are literally hell. The intensity is extremely high, with no mercy, no room for mistakes or patience. After just a few sessions, I already felt exhausted both physically and mentally.”
The 29-year-old running back continued to share: “In Detroit, even when I got injured, they were always by my side like a real family. They trusted and supported my development. Here, I just arrived and already felt like a burden.”
David Montgomery is one of the typical success stories of the Lions. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, he truly flourished after joining the Lions in 2023, becoming a cornerstone of their ground game and a key piece in their playoff runs in 2024 and 2025 with his powerful running style and receiving ability.
Despite previously having injury issues (particularly with his ankle and lower body), Montgomery still received patience and strong support from the Lions coaching staff and became an important part of the offensive system alongside Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
His departure from the Lions earlier this offseason was reportedly due to salary cap pressure and roster restructuring. However, the harsh training environment at the Texans — famous for its no-mercy, high-intensity philosophy — has quickly made Montgomery realize the value of the place he once belonged to.
Lions fans have reacted strongly on social media after Montgomery’s comments spread. Many expressed sympathy and called for the team to bring him back to Ford Field.
“David is not a piece of merchandise. He has poured sweat and blood for the Lions. Detroit is his real home,” a popular fan comment read.
Currently, Montgomery is undergoing in-depth medical examinations. His future with the Texans has become highly uncertain as the Houston team is reportedly considering various options, including placing him on the injured reserve list or even trading him again.
Although he affirms that he still wants to prove his worth, Montgomery does not hide his desire to return to Detroit. His story once again highlights the cultural differences between NFL teams and serves as a reminder that success in football is not only about talent, but also about the environment and respect given to the players.
For the Lions, Montgomery’s public expression of his desire to return could open up an interesting scenario in the remainder of the 2026 offseason.
