Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is set for a significant homecoming this week as he takes the field for his 93rd NFL game in Cincinnati. A native of the city and a product of nearby Mount Healthy High School, Montgomery will be playing his first professional game just a 20-minute drive from where he played his high school games.
However, the game’s true importance extends far beyond his return to familiar territory. For Montgomery, the most meaningful aspect will be the presence of his sister, Kiki, in the stands. She will be watching him play in person for the first time since a car accident last February left her paralyzed from the neck down.
During a recent appearance on the “Up & Adams Show,” Montgomery spoke about the emotional weight of the occasion. “This will be the first game that my sister can actually see me play with her own eyes, so I’m super, super excited about that,” he shared. “I’m just happy that she’s able to be there.”
He also noted the novelty of competing against the team he supported as a child. “I have never played in Cincinnati since leaving,” Montgomery said. “It will be cool, playing against the team that, when I grew up, was my team. I was the hometown kid.”
Montgomery enters this meaningful matchup in the midst of a career-best season. He recently set a personal high with 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens. That performance included a 72-yard run, which stands as the longest of the 2025 season to date. Alongside teammates Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, he has also contributed to setting new team records for offensive scoring.
While many factors can motivate a player, Montgomery’s inspiration on Sunday is deeply personal. For the hometown player, the opportunity to perform in front of his sister again provides a motivation that transcends the game itself.
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