Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery Has High Praise For Teammate Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions have built something special in their backfield, and veteran running back David Montgomery isn’t shy about letting the world know just how talented his partner truly is. In a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Montgomery made a statement that sent shockwaves through the NFL community, declaring that Jahmyr Gibbs is destined to become the best running back in the league.

Detroit Lions David Montgomery & Jahmyr Gibbs

The relationship between Montgomery and Gibbs transcends typical teammate dynamics. What started as a veteran-rookie pairing has evolved into one of the most complementary backfield duos in the NFL. Montgomery’s endorsement of Gibbs comes from a place of genuine admiration and firsthand knowledge of what his partner brings to the field.

“It’s evident Jahmyr is, or, if not, will be the best running back in the league,” Montgomery declared without hesitation. “It’s no guess to it.”

This isn’t just empty praise from a teammate. Montgomery has seen Gibbs up close through two seasons, witnessing the explosive talent that has already produced 2,357 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in just 24 games. The veteran’s confidence in Gibbs speaks to the young back’s exceptional ability and relentless work ethic.

Leadership Through Adversity

Perhaps the most telling moment in their partnership came during the 2023 NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. When Gibbs fumbled at a crucial moment, Montgomery was the first player to reach him, offering consolation and support when his teammate needed it most.

Montgomery’s response to that moment reveals the depth of their relationship and his belief in Gibbs’ character. “That moment was my opportunity to let him know one, how much I loved him and cared for him as a person, because I know what that can do to people, and two, I needed him to understand that this is small fish to how important he is going to be, to us.”

The veteran back’s actions demonstrated true leadership—recognizing that protecting his teammate’s confidence was more important than dwelling on a mistake. Montgomery understood that Gibbs’ future contributions would far outweigh any single play, no matter how costly it seemed in the moment.

The Perfect Complement

What makes the Montgomery-Gibbs partnership so effective is how their contrasting styles create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Montgomery brings the power and physicality that wears down defensive fronts, while Gibbs provides the speed and explosiveness that can break games wide open.

“I’m taking him against everybody, you know what I’m saying?” Montgomery said of his backfield partner, emphasizing his unwavering confidence in Gibbs’ abilities.

This dynamic creates a situation where defensive coordinators must prepare for completely different challenges depending on which back is on the field. The versatility of both players also allows them to be on the field simultaneously, creating even more complex problems for defenses to solve.

Adapting to New Leadership

The 2025 season brings new challenges for the Detroit Lions’ backfield with the arrival of offensive coordinator John Morton, who takes over after Ben Johnson’s departure to become head coach of the Chicago Bears. David Montgomery has embraced the change, expressing excitement about what Morton brings to the table.

“Johnny-Mo is completely different from Ben,” Montgomery explained. “I love Ben, he was incredible, he’s going to do great things in Chicago. But I think Johnny-Mo is good too. I’m kinda excited to see how it all shakes out, but if it shakes out the way I think it’ll be, it’ll be good.”

The transition represents an opportunity for both Montgomery and Gibbs to showcase their adaptability and football intelligence. Morton’s system will likely emphasize their unique skill sets while finding new ways to maximize their impact on the field.

Championship Aspirations Drive Everything

Both backs understand that individual accolades mean little without team success. When asked about potentially earning more individual recognition as a feature back, Jahmyr Gibbs quickly redirected the conversation toward the team’s ultimate goal.

Montgomery expressed the frustration that comes from falling short of expectations: “I think, ultimately for us, I know my mom used to tell me when I used to do stuff over and over and not listen, she’d get sick and tired of being sick and tired. I know we kind of have this standard and expectations of ourselves that we haven’t met yet.”

This shared commitment to team success over personal glory has become a defining characteristic of their partnership. Both players recognize that their individual talents are most valuable when deployed in the service of bringing a Super Bowl championship to Detroit.

New Playbook, Same Chemistry

The installation of Morton’s offensive system has presented both challenges and opportunities for the Lions’ backfield. Gibbs noted the team’s commitment to mastering the new concepts: “We just are so locked in, we got a new playbook and stuff that we are learning. We have up and down days, but today, you see, that was our best day of camp so far, by far.”

The adaptability both backs have shown during this transition period reinforces their value to the organization. Great players adjust to new systems while maintaining their effectiveness, and both Montgomery and Gibbs have demonstrated this quality throughout the offseason.

Looking Toward 2025

As the Detroit Lions prepare for what many consider their best championship opportunity in decades, the Montgomery-Gibbs partnership represents one of their strongest assets. Their complementary skills, mutual respect, and shared commitment to team success create a foundation for sustained excellence.

Montgomery’s prediction about Gibbs may seem bold, but it reflects the reality of what those closest to the situation see every day. If Gibbs can continue developing under Morton’s system while maintaining his partnership with Montgomery, the veteran’s prophecy could very well come true.

The 2025 season will test both backs in new ways, but their proven chemistry and championship hunger suggest that Detroit’s dynamic duo is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. Montgomery’s faith in Gibbs isn’t just teammate loyalty—it’s a recognition of greatness that’s still emerging.