In a heartfelt gesture that caught the attention of both fans and media alike, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery took to social media to express his gratitude for the organization, his teammates, and the city of Detroit after a season that saw his stock rise significantly. Montgomery’s “THANK YOU” letter was a nod to the Lions’ front office, the coaching staff, and the loyal fan base that embraced him when he arrived as a free agent in 2023. The message, a perfect blend of humility and appreciation, not only touched on his personal journey with the team but also indicated his enthusiasm for what was to come.
The timing of Montgomery’s message came at an interesting juncture in the offseason. The Lions were coming off a season that saw them show significant improvement and a renewed sense of promise, led by a revitalized offense and defense. Montgomery’s role in that success, both as a running back and a leader in the locker room, had made him a key figure in the Lions’ resurgence. As the offseason continued, the Lions’ administration, notably General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, had a decision to make: how to build on this momentum, solidify their future, and capitalize on the chemistry Montgomery had helped foster.
As Montgomery’s heartfelt “thank you” circulated, it was clear that this wasn’t just a typical player social media post; it was a statement of loyalty and gratitude that carried weight in the franchise’s broader vision. What would the Lions’ administration do next? What decisions could this thank you letter influence, and how would it impact the future direction of the team?
David Montgomery’s Impact on the Detroit Lions in 2023
Before diving into the Lions’ administrative decisions, it’s essential to recognize the impact David Montgomery had on the team during his first season in Detroit.
A Solid Running Game
In 2023, the Detroit Lions made an aggressive push to upgrade their backfield, acquiring Montgomery from the Chicago Bears as a free agent. His arrival was seen as a pivotal move to bolster a run game that had fluctuated in previous seasons. Montgomery, known for his toughness, vision, and ability to grind out tough yards, brought an element of physicality to Detroit’s offense that had been missing for some time.
Montgomery’s ability to run through tackles and pick up hard-earned yards between the tackles was a massive asset to the Lions’ offensive game plan. His skill set complemented the explosive playmaking ability of running back Jamaal Williams, who departed Detroit in the same offseason. While Williams was known for his power, Montgomery added more nuance to his game, showing patience in finding running lanes and vision in identifying holes to exploit. His contribution in short-yardage and goal-line situations was critical to the Lions’ overall offensive efficiency.
Montgomery’s performances were key in numerous games where the Lions needed to grind out crucial yards to maintain possession or control the clock. His combination of size and agility helped the Lions develop a more balanced attack, taking pressure off of quarterback Jared Goff and allowing Detroit to establish their ground game.
Leadership and Locker Room Presence
Beyond his on-field production, Montgomery quickly became a leader in the Lions’ locker room. His work ethic and dedication to his craft resonated with his teammates, and he quickly built a rapport with them. His quiet confidence, paired with his desire to constantly improve, made him a strong figure in both the running back room and across the roster.
Montgomery’s leadership wasn’t just about making big runs or impressive plays; it was also about his presence in tough moments and his support for his teammates. The “team-first” mentality he brought to Detroit played a large role in fostering the camaraderie that would later become the hallmark of the Lions’ renewed culture.
Montgomery’s success and leadership didn’t go unnoticed. The city of Detroit, which had endured many seasons of underperformance, embraced Montgomery’s no-nonsense approach and blue-collar mentality. His connection with the fans grew stronger each week, and many viewed him as the perfect fit for the culture that Dan Campbell was building.
The “THANK YOU” Message: A Turning Point
After his standout 2023 season, Montgomery took to social media to express his gratitude for the Lions’ organization and its fans. In a post that quickly went viral, Montgomery wrote:
“I just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the Lions organization, my coaches, my teammates, and most importantly, the city of Detroit. This year has been special, and I’ve learned and grown so much. The love and energy you all have shown me makes me want to give everything I have back. Let’s keep building this together. #OnePride”
The message came across as genuine, heartfelt, and poignant. It was clear that Montgomery had felt a strong sense of belonging in Detroit, and his commitment to the team and city was palpable. Fans and analysts alike began to take notice — was Montgomery hinting at wanting to remain a part of the Lions’ future? His decision to write this note was not just a simple thank-you but an indication of his long-term desire to be a part of something bigger than himself.
A New Chapter for the Lions
Montgomery’s message was a key moment for the franchise and its administration. The sincerity of his gratitude spoke to his desire to contribute to something lasting and to leave a mark on the organization. While the thank-you message was appreciated by fans and the media, the Lions’ front office now faced a decision: how could they capitalize on Montgomery’s presence and leadership to help the team take the next step in its development?
What the Lions’ Administration Might Do Next
David Montgomery’s message wasn’t just a thank you — it was a call to action. The Lions’ administration would now be tasked with leveraging Montgomery’s leadership and performance to build a stronger, more cohesive team that could compete for a Super Bowl in the coming years. With Montgomery expressing his commitment to the city and the franchise, what steps would General Manager Brad Holmes, Head Coach Dan Campbell, and the front office take next?
Extending Montgomery’s Contract: Securing the Foundation
One of the most immediate questions the Lions’ administration had to address was whether to extend Montgomery’s contract. While the veteran running back had signed a three-year, $18 million contract in 2023, the Lions knew that securing a player of Montgomery’s caliber long-term could be a critical component of their future success.
The timing of Montgomery’s thank-you message may have been a subtle hint that he was interested in a long-term commitment to Detroit. The Lions’ administration, after evaluating Montgomery’s performance and leadership in his first season, likely saw the value in locking him down for the foreseeable future. Given the NFL’s emphasis on continuity and cohesion, keeping a player like Montgomery in the fold would ensure stability for the Lions’ backfield for years to come.
An extension would not only reward Montgomery for his contributions in 2023 but also send a message to the locker room and the fanbase that the team is committed to building a championship contender. By locking up their starting running back and leader, the Lions would be investing in the continuity of a position that is crucial to their offensive identity.
Bolstering the Offensive Line
Montgomery’s effectiveness in 2023 was, in part, due to the improved offensive line play in Detroit. The Lions’ offensive line, led by Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker, had been a driving force in the team’s success on offense. However, Montgomery’s thank-you letter may have reminded the Lions’ administration of just how important it is to continue bolstering the offensive line.
To make sure Montgomery’s production doesn’t dip and to maximize his ability to run the football, the Lions might focus on adding depth and quality to their offensive line during the offseason. Whether through the draft or free agency, an investment in the line could allow Montgomery to continue flourishing, as well as set up future running backs for success.
Further Development of the Running Back Room
While Montgomery’s leadership was central to the success of the backfield in 2023, the Lions may also look at ways to further develop their running back room to support him. Detroit has a young, talented group of backs, and with Montgomery’s guidance, the room could continue to grow. Adding another dynamic back to complement Montgomery, or giving more opportunities to players like Jahmyr Gibbs, who was drafted in 2023, could create a more versatile, unpredictable ground game for the Lions moving forward.
Building Around Montgomery: A Unified Vision for the Future
Montgomery’s message, paired with the team’s moves in the offseason, would likely set the tone for a unified vision moving forward. The Detroit Lions, under Dan Campbell’s leadership, have committed to building a team that embodies grit, toughness, and a family-oriented atmosphere. With Montgomery in the fold, and with his vocal support for the team, the Lions are set to continue developing a roster that embodies those qualities.
Montgomery’s message, in many ways, signals that the team is ready for the next phase in its evolution. As the Lions look to make deep playoff runs and ultimately challenge for a Super Bowl, Montgomery’s leadership will play an integral role in shaping that journey. His presence on the field, his mentorship in the locker room, and his commitment to the team could very well serve as the foundation for a successful future.
A Bright Future Ahead for Detroit and Montgomery
David Montgomery’s heartfelt “thank you” to the Detroit Lions was more than just a personal note of gratitude; it was a message that showed his commitment to the team and his desire to be part of the Lions’ success. For the Lions’ administration, Montgomery’s gesture presented an opportunity to solidify his place in the team’s future plans. By investing in his leadership, performance, and continued development, the Lions can build on the strong foundation Montgomery helped create in 2023.
With Montgomery continuing to play a pivotal role on the field and in the locker room, the Lions are poised to build a championship-caliber team. The administration’s next steps will center around supporting Montgomery and ensuring that the offense, defense, and culture all evolve in concert with his leadership. Together, the Lions and Montgomery have the potential to create something special in Detroit for years to come.