Brief Introduction of David Montgomery
David Montgomery is a distinguished American football running back, currently showcasing his talents for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his powerful, bruising running style and exceptional ability to break tackles, Montgomery has established himself as one of the league’s most resilient and dependable backs. His journey to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance, rising from a challenging upbringing in Cincinnati, Ohio, to become a collegiate star at Iowa State University. It was there he earned the reputation of a workhorse, consistently gaining national recognition for his performance. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he quickly became a cornerstone of their offense before joining the Lions in 2023, where he has continued to excel, forming one of the league’s most dynamic running back tandems. Off the field, Montgomery is recognized for his character, leadership, and commitment to community, values instilled in him from his time as an Eagle Scout.
David Montgomery Overview
| Full Name | David Montgomery |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Running Back |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Mother – Roberta Mitchell, Stepfather – Sam Mitchell, Son – David Jr. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Tatum Causey |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1.5 million and $7 million |
Early Life and Education of David Montgomery
David Montgomery was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent his formative years navigating a challenging environment marked by financial hardship. Raised by his mother, Roberta Mitchell, and stepfather, Sam Mitchell, the family often faced economic instability. This upbringing, however, was foundational in shaping Montgomery’s resilient character and unwavering work ethic. From a young age, he exhibited a determination to overcome adversity, a trait that would define his athletic career. His mother, who worked tirelessly to support her children, remains one of his biggest inspirations. Another significant influence during his youth was his involvement in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. This experience taught him valuable lessons in leadership, accountability, and community service, which he continues to embody. For his Eagle Scout project, he organized donation drives at his high school football games to collect toiletries for the local homeless community, demonstrating an early commitment to giving back.
He attended Mount Healthy High School in Cincinnati, where he became a standout athlete. Interestingly, he starred not as a running back, but as a dual-threat quarterback. His talent was undeniable, leading to numerous accolades and records. In his senior year, he was named the Division III Ohio Player of the Year and the Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year. Over his four-year high school career, Montgomery amassed an incredible 6,666 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns, a preview of the dominant rusher he would become. Despite these impressive statistics, he was not heavily recruited by major college football programs. He eventually committed to Iowa State University, one of the few schools that offered him a scholarship, setting the stage for his breakout collegiate career.
David Montgomery’s Career
David Montgomery’s collegiate career at Iowa State University was nothing short of spectacular. From 2016 to 2018, he became the heart and soul of the Cyclones’ offense. As a true freshman, he led the team in rushing and earned an honorable mention Freshman All-American nod. His sophomore and junior seasons were even more remarkable. Montgomery established himself as one of the nation’s elite running backs, known for his incredible balance and his uncanny ability to force missed tackles. He led the nation in broken tackles in 2017 and followed that with another stellar season in 2018. He earned first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors in both 2017 and 2018. After three successful seasons where he rushed for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns, Montgomery decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears selected David Montgomery in the third round with the 73rd overall pick. He made an immediate impact, showcasing the same toughness and determination that defined his college career. In his rookie season, he rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns. His breakout season with the Bears came in 2020, when he rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yards that year. He became the first Bears running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since 2017. Throughout his four seasons in Chicago, he was a consistent and reliable offensive weapon, twice winning the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award, given to a Bears player who best exemplifies courage, loyalty, teamwork, and dedication.
In March 2023, Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Detroit Lions, beginning a new chapter in his career. His impact on the Lions was immediate and profound. He brought a physical, downhill running style that perfectly complemented the speed of his backfield partner, Jahmyr Gibbs. Together, they formed one of the most productive running back duos in the NFL. In his first season in Detroit, Montgomery rushed for 1,015 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, playing a crucial role in the Lions’ run to the NFC Championship game. His leadership and “throwback” running style earned him high praise from Head Coach Dan Campbell and his teammates. His success continued, and in October 2024, the Lions signed him to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season.
David Montgomery Personal Life & Family
David Montgomery’s personal life is grounded in the strong family values instilled in him during his challenging upbringing in Cincinnati. He is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Tatum Causey. The couple are not married, but they share a life together and have started a family. They met during their time as students at Iowa State University. Tatum has been a supportive partner throughout Montgomery’s NFL journey and is often seen at his games. She has a degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services and has worked as a Youth Development Professional.
Together, David and Tatum welcomed their first child, a son, on January 13, 2023. While they have chosen to keep their son’s name private, becoming a father has had a profound impact on Montgomery, providing him with a new sense of purpose. He is dedicated to providing his child with the stable and loving upbringing that he himself lacked. Faith is also a central pillar in Montgomery’s life. He has spoken about how his faith is the main thing in his life and serves as a driving force for him both on and off the field. He has had to navigate difficult family situations, including his half-brother’s incarceration, which have further strengthened his resolve and reliance on his faith and close family ties. His sister, Kiki, is also a significant part of his life and a source of inspiration, especially after she was paralyzed in a car accident. He has expressed that playing for her provides him with immense motivation.
Awards and Achievements of David Montgomery
- 2x Brian Piccolo Award (2019, 2022)
- NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 (Ranked 98th)
- 2x First-team All-American (Pro Football Focus) (2017, 2018)
- 2x First-team All-Big 12 (2017, 2018)
- North Star Award (Scouting America) (2025)
- Division III Ohio Player of the Year (2015)
- Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
David Montgomery Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, David Montgomery’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $7 million. This wealth has been primarily accumulated through his NFL contracts. His career earnings are substantial, reflecting his status as a premier running back in the league. His initial rookie contract with the Chicago Bears was a four-year deal worth approximately $4.015 million. In March 2023, he signed a more lucrative three-year, $18 million contract with the Detroit Lions, which included a $4.5 million signing bonus and $11 million in guaranteed money. Recognizing his continued importance to the team, the Lions extended his contract in October 2024 with a two-year, $18.25 million deal that includes over $10 million in new guaranteed money. Beyond his NFL salary, Montgomery also earns income from endorsements, having partnered with brands such as Hyundai. His financial success marks a significant turnaround from the economic hardships he faced during his childhood.
Legacy and Influence
David Montgomery’s legacy is defined by his resilience, powerful running style, and unwavering character. On the field, he is known as “Knuckles,” a nickname that speaks to his hard-hitting, physical approach to the game. He is considered a “throwback” player who embraces contact and consistently churns out tough yards, wearing down defenses. This playing style has not only led to individual success, including multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, but has also had a significant impact on his teams. With the Detroit Lions, his presence has been instrumental in establishing a dominant rushing attack, setting a tone of physicality and grit that reflects the city of Detroit itself. Head Coach Dan Campbell has praised him as a “big giant human” whose energy and commitment to excellence are contagious.
Off the field, Montgomery’s influence is equally significant. Having overcome a difficult childhood, he serves as an inspiration for many. His achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout is a core part of his identity, and he actively promotes the values of scouting, serving as a recruitment ambassador for Scouting America. He is also dedicated to community service, participating in events like coat drives for those in need in Detroit. He has spoken about his desire to work with children after his football career, possibly as a teacher. Montgomery’s journey from poverty to NFL stardom, combined with his dedication to his family, faith, and community, solidifies his legacy as a role model both within and beyond the world of football.
Interesting Facts about David Montgomery
- He was a standout dual-threat quarterback in high school, not a running back.
- He is an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America.
- His nickname in the Lions’ backfield is “Knuckles,” complementing Jahmyr Gibbs’ nickname “Sonic,” a reference to the video game characters.
- In 2017, while at Iowa State, he led the entire nation in forced missed tackles, breaking the previous record.
- He has shown a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, at one point adopting a vegan diet during an NFL season.
- He threw a touchdown pass during an NFL game in the 2024 season.
Controversies
In June 2023, David Montgomery and his girlfriend, Tatum Causey, were involved in a situation concerning their pit bull mix, Lola. The dog allegedly escaped their home and was involved in an incident with a smaller dog. This led to Causey facing a misdemeanor charge, to which she pleaded not guilty. The couple later faced a civil lawsuit related to the incident. Montgomery and Causey have kept further details about the resolution of the matter private.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Account is private
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about David Montgomery
David Montgomery’s story is a compelling narrative of triumph over adversity, marked by grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to his values. From the tough streets of Cincinnati to the bright lights of the NFL, he has carved out a career as one of the league’s most respected and effective running backs. His powerful running style makes him a force to be reckoned with on the field, while his quiet leadership and strong character make him an invaluable asset in the locker room. Now firmly established as a key leader for the Detroit Lions, his future in the NFL looks bright as he continues to perform at a high level. Beyond his athletic achievements, Montgomery’s legacy will be that of a man who never forgot his roots, using his platform to inspire others and give back to the community. His journey is a powerful reminder that with resilience and a strong support system, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.