David Montgomery joins Barry Sanders in Lions franchise record books | Sporting News

The Detroit Lions picked up a narrow 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 13, as Dan Campbell’s squad improved their record to 11-1 and won their tenth consecutive game. But the team’s Week 14 matchup will be much more challenging, as the 9-3 Green Bay Packers will be looking to pull off the road upset and put some pressure on Detroit as the homestretch of the regular season rapidly approaches. 

The Lions’ offense has been one of the most dynamic units in the NFL this season, and the running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are a prominent reason why Detroit’s offense is so successful. The tandem complements each other perfectly, as Montgomery is a powerful downhill runner while Gibbs is the more explosive player with elite speed.

Gibbs is the more exciting and electric back, but Montgomery’s impact on the offense is irreplaceable. The former Chicago Bear signed a three-year deal worth $18 million with the Lions during the 2023 offseason and posted a 1,000-yard debut campaign along with 13 touchdowns. 

Montgomery is once again flourishing in Ben Johnson’s offense in 2024, as the 2019 third-round pick has totaled 720 rushing yards entering Week 14 and etched himself into the Lions’ franchise record book during the first half of the team’s Thursday Night Football matchup versus the Packers.

Montgomery posted his 13th touchdown of the season during the first quarter of Detroit’s Week 14 contest, making the veteran the third running back in Lions history to run for 12 or more touchdowns in two consecutive seasons, joining franchise legends Barry Sanders and Billy Sims. 

.@Lions RB @MontgomerDavid rushes for his 12th TD of the season.

The only other players in franchise history to rush for 12+ TDs in consecutive seasons:

1. @BarrySanders (1989-91)
2. @RealBillySims (1980-81)#OnePride pic.twitter.com/u3McVqm3rh

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 6, 2024

Running backs usually start to slow down during their second or third contracts, but Montgomery has played the best football of his career since joining the Lions in 2023, and the 27-year-old will be staying in the Motor City for a few more years as the six-year veteran signed a two-year, $18.25 million extension with Detroit on Oct.12. 

The former Iowa State standout still has one year left on his original contract with the franchise, so Montgomery won’t hit unrestricted free agency till 2028.

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