David Montgomery (American football)
A running back whose relentless, tackle-breaking style and quiet leadership made him a fan favorite in Chicago and a key piece in Detroit's offensive revival.
Born 1997 (age 29)·American football player·Birthday: June 7·Generation Z
Biography
David Montgomery rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first season with the Detroit Lions in 2023. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he played at Iowa State University, where his work ethic and ability to carry defenders for extra yards stood out. The Chicago Bears drafted him in 2019, and he became the heart of their offense. His move to the Lions saw him integrate into one of the league's most potent attacks. His game relies on vision, balance, and an ability to fall forward.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
David was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season for both the Chicago Bears (2020) and the Detroit Lions (2023).
- Selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
- Earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018 after a standout season at Iowa State.
- Scored a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns during the 2023 season with the Detroit Lions.
Did You Know?
His childhood nickname was 'Knuckles,' reportedly because he was always getting into fistfights.
He played quarterback, wide receiver, and running back in high school at Mount Healthy.
At Iowa State, he famously broke 109 tackles during the 2018 season, leading all FBS running backs.
“You don't get the yards you want; you earn the yards you need.”
