A fan-favorite Chicago Bear has found a new home, but isn’t going far. Former Bears running back David Montgomery is signing with the Detroit Lions on a three-year deal. The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Montgomery was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. He became their bell cow back, rushing for over 800 yards in each of his four seasons. He played in 16 games in 2022, rushing for 801 yards and five rushing touchdowns while splitting time with Khalil Herbert. His best year came in 2020 when he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Now, Montgomery joins the Lions as one of their featured backs, likely replacing free agent Jamaal Williams.
Many Bears fans were bracing for the reality that Montgomery would not return, but knowing he’s going to a division rival makes the move sting just a little bit more. Here are some of the fan reactions on Twitter.
I don't want to talk right now.
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) March 15, 2023
Really thought David Montgomery was coming back to the #Bears. Khalil Herbert is RB1 https://t.co/62WHo1K46u
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) March 15, 2023
Take care of him, Detroit. I am very sad today. My guy 😭😭 https://t.co/GGroUNPan8
— BuffLlama (@JayDizzyD) March 15, 2023
This stings. #Bears https://t.co/fbaq3h8mau
— Kevin Wells (@Wells15Kevin) March 15, 2023
Thank you for your service https://t.co/y5j9ILNkWh
— illwill (@79illwill) March 15, 2023
I’ve been a fan of Montgomery since he was a Cyclone. I’ll still be a huge fan of his now.
That said, I’m fine with this. The Bears have got to spend their $$ elsewhere. https://t.co/4Q4lnHzm0k
— Swaz_ee_land ☮️ (@Swaz_ee_land) March 15, 2023
I am taking no questions on David Montgomery at this time. Please respect my families privacy during this difficult time.
— Matthias Schwartzkopf (@MatthiasWRNL) March 15, 2023
Thanks to Monty but I’m not upset. https://t.co/ynQV5Rg8wF
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) March 15, 2023
https://t.co/YDEnvx5Lvx pic.twitter.com/DlwX2xWCfz
— 💚Nicole Pinter❤️ (@nicole_pinter6) March 15, 2023
Oh well. https://t.co/qw5f1K7UbI
— Aaron 🎮 (@rolltide_25) March 15, 2023
Running back in the draft is coming… https://t.co/Q1ZkY1E6o3
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) March 15, 2023
https://t.co/T8XslBBm2e pic.twitter.com/gYXhTNkRl9
— Adam the dont stare directly at the sun worm (@trislerstudz) March 15, 2023
I’m Done For The Night ✌🏾… #Bears pic.twitter.com/mmmnovMc2G
— Just🥶Acy🥶Dawg™️ (@Just_Acy) March 15, 2023
I'ma miss chatting with Dmo. Felt whenever I interviewed him he always had an excellent and philosophical answer ready. Good luck in Detroit
— They call me Big Elly (@FlowsAndolini) March 15, 2023
I just threw up in my mouth https://t.co/D0F0qFSfVN
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) March 15, 2023
Me carrying all my snacks to my room to turn on a scary movie and be sad over losing Monty: pic.twitter.com/MfShEiaDEz
— Taylor Doll (@TayDoll1010xl) March 15, 2023
David Montgomery was a lot of fun to watch during his time in Chicago. Tough runner who battled for every yard he got.#Bears likely got turned off by a lack of big-play production and didn't want to pay him. Nonetheless, it was nice having him, and by all accounts a great guy.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) March 15, 2023
I’m so sad @MontgomerDavid left 😭😭 #bears
— Brenda Webber (@BrendaJWebber) March 15, 2023
Damn… #BearDown I cant even cheer for Monty like I want now. Ain't this a mfr… https://t.co/lI6aD14F2d
— Tommy Missel (@TommyMissel) March 15, 2023
Oof… https://t.co/rMDQN7UA5a pic.twitter.com/1dA29GT4Bl
— Jeff Berckes (@gridironborn) March 15, 2023
https://t.co/blAgd8hEt8 pic.twitter.com/FmcRhR4TxR
— John Buffone (@JDBuffone) March 15, 2023
My favorite part of David Montgomery’s Bears career was all of it. It was very rare where he was the reason the Bears gave me heartburn.
— Cody Delmendo (@Cody_CHGO) March 15, 2023
Good for Montgomery. I'm glad that the #Bears are going in a different direction though. https://t.co/ev7xm6qT50
— James Fox (@JamesFox917) March 15, 2023
Congrats to Monty! Generational wealth and Dan Campbell will LOVE you. pic.twitter.com/MXZiggOE0o
— Gridiron Assassin (@GridAssassin) March 15, 2023
https://t.co/4TREh6K3q0 pic.twitter.com/SuniUkhXzM
— Leila Rahimi (@leilarahimi) March 15, 2023
— 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚢, 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚊𝚝 𝙵𝚕𝚒𝚙 𝙴𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚝™ (@0fficialStacey) March 15, 2023
Happy for DMont….but dang in the division tho 😒 https://t.co/DUIRzXQmft
— Colleen Carmody (@ColMarie21) March 15, 2023
Thanks for everything Monty 🫡 Best of luck in Detroit go kill it @MontgomerDavid https://t.co/Xt2pM0arlJ
— Sports With X (@sportswithx) March 15, 2023
What??????? https://t.co/BcRtEd7KkJ
— jeff (@cubsfan) March 15, 2023
Devastated 😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/q7ARKMDGyk pic.twitter.com/WtqIxexvEM
— Peter Guy (@Getintothis) March 15, 2023