Montgomery has since joined the Texans and is eager for a fresh start with more opportunities to carry the ball. Yet, he admitted that leaving Detroit was difficult at first.
In a conversation on the Deebo and Joe podcast with former NFL players James Harrison and Joe Haden, Montgomery reflected on his departure from Detroit, while praising head coach Dan Campbell. He said he had believed he would remain a Lion for the rest of his career and thanked the city for the affection he received. He acknowledged that, as players age and teams adjust, difficult decisions are part of the business, and he understood that the trade was a inevitable consequence of those dynamics. He also clarified that his touches in Detroit’s offense were not entirely within his control, but he remains excited about the opportunity in Houston and expressed continued respect for the Lions, noting that Detroit will always feel like home.
Holmes has discussed the trade publicly, noting that it was driven by Montgomery’s reduced touches and the ascendance of Gibbs. During a March appearance on the Lions Collective podcast, Holmes reiterated that the team had constructive discussions with Montgomery and his agent, and agreed that a return that benefited all sides was appropriate after the season ended. He stressed that Detroit did not intend to simply give Montgomery away and was pleased with the compensation received, while wishing Montgomery well in his new role with Houston.
This offseason reshaped the backfield dynamics for Detroit, with the organization prioritizing a bigger role for Gibbs as part of their plan to contend in the near term. Montgomery’s move to Houston represents a fresh opportunity for him to showcase his abilities in a new system, and his departure marks a new chapter for both teams as they adjust to their evolving rosters.
