“Breaking Generational Curses: Why Lions RB David Montgomery Returned to College to Finish What He Started”
David Montgomery has always been a fighter. On the football field, he’s known for his relentless running style, elusive footwork, and the grit that earned him a place among the NFL’s most respected backs. But off the field, his fight has been just as fierce, and perhaps even more inspiring. Recently, the Detroit Lions running back made headlines—not for a game-winning touchdown or a career milestone, but for returning to college to complete his degree. For Montgomery, the decision was not about boosting a résumé or preparing for life after football. It was far more personal. As he put it, he’s “breaking generational curses.” This return to the classroom marks a powerful chapter in the story of a man who’s determined to shift the narrative—not only for himself but for his family and the generations that follow.
Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, David Montgomery faced long odds from the beginning. He was raised by a single mother in a neighborhood where violence, poverty, and broken promises were far more common than opportunities and success stories. Montgomery often credits his mother for being the rock of their family, holding things together when everything else seemed to fall apart. He never knew his father, and the absence of that relationship left a void that he has acknowledged shaped his outlook on life. In that environment, it would have been easy—expected even—for him to succumb to the same cycles that trapped so many around him. But Montgomery wasn’t wired that way. He saw football as more than a game; it was a lifeline, a way out, a chance to become something more than what his circumstances suggested was possible.
Montgomery starred at Cincinnati’s Mount Healthy High School, where his work ethic began to stand out. Coaches marveled not just at his physical abilities but at his leadership and maturity. He wasn’t the most heavily recruited player in the country, but his heart and determination caught the attention of Iowa State University, where he ultimately made his mark. At Iowa State, Montgomery became a fan favorite, known for his punishing runs and unwillingness to go down on first contact. He turned into one of the Big 12’s most reliable and exciting players, and after three standout seasons, he declared for the NFL Draft.
In 2019, the Chicago Bears selected Montgomery in the third round, and from that moment on, he began proving that he belonged among the game’s elite. He would go on to have multiple seasons with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, becoming a focal point of the Bears’ offense and later the Detroit Lions, where he continued to shine. Yet even as he built a solid NFL career, a part of him remained unfinished. Though he left Iowa State early for the draft, he never forgot the promise he made—to his mother, to his coaches, and most importantly, to himself. That promise was to finish his college education.
Montgomery’s return to college wasn’t about optics or public perception. It was deeply personal. He sees education as a tool of empowerment, not just for himself but for his family. He understands the symbolic weight of earning a degree. In a world that so often defines Black athletes solely by their on-field success, Montgomery wanted to define himself differently—through perseverance, integrity, and intellect. In his words, “I’m breaking generational curses.” That phrase isn’t just a slogan; it’s a mission. It speaks to centuries of systemic obstacles—of doors closed, opportunities denied, and cycles repeated. For Montgomery, getting a college degree is about cutting through that legacy of limitation and establishing a new norm for those who come after him.
Returning to school while maintaining the rigorous demands of professional football is no easy feat. NFL life is taxing—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But Montgomery approached it the same way he attacks linebackers—head-on, with determination and purpose. He enrolled in online courses through Iowa State, dedicating his evenings and off-days to studying. While others might unwind with video games or social media, Montgomery dug into textbooks, submitted assignments, and participated in virtual discussions. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was essential. The discipline required mirrors the same traits that made him a standout athlete: focus, resilience, and an unrelenting desire to improve.
The support of the Detroit Lions organization has been instrumental in this journey. Head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have publicly praised Montgomery’s decision, emphasizing the kind of character and leadership he brings to the locker room. His teammates have also rallied around him, with several pointing to Montgomery’s pursuit of education as a source of inspiration. In a league that often emphasizes swagger and bravado, Montgomery’s humility and drive have made him a quiet role model—especially for young players who may be considering similar decisions.
Montgomery’s journey is also a reminder that education doesn’t have a timeline. In a society that often equates youth with success, it’s easy to forget that growth can—and should—happen at any age. Montgomery proves that chasing dreams doesn’t stop when you sign an NFL contract. He’s showing that true success includes not only reaching personal goals but also fulfilling commitments and paving the way for others. By finishing his degree, he’s showing his younger siblings, his future children, and kids in his community that school matters—that knowledge is power, and that nobody can ever take that power away once you’ve earned it.
The impact of Montgomery’s return to school extends beyond the classroom. It’s a statement about identity. For so many professional athletes, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, the journey to the NFL can feel like a singular path to escape adversity. But what happens after football? What happens when the roar of the crowd fades? Montgomery isn’t waiting to find out. He’s investing in his future now, ensuring that when the final whistle blows on his playing career, he’ll be prepared to tackle new challenges—perhaps in business, coaching, or community leadership.
There’s also something deeply emotional about Montgomery’s return to school. In interviews, he’s spoken about how his decision honors the sacrifices his mother made. She worked tirelessly to provide for her children, often going without so they could have a better shot at life. Seeing her son walk across a college graduation stage is more than a proud moment—it’s a culmination of years of struggle, sacrifice, and survival. It’s a victory not just for David but for every mother, every sibling, every teacher, and every coach who believed in him when the world didn’t.
In many ways, Montgomery’s story mirrors those of countless others who strive to overcome the odds. But what makes his story particularly resonant is the intentionality behind it. He didn’t go back to college because he had to. He went back because he wanted to—because he knew that finishing his education was about far more than a piece of paper. It was about rewriting his family’s story. It was about showing that it’s never too late to do the right thing. It was about proving, once and for all, that success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you become.
As Montgomery continues his NFL career with the Lions, he does so not just as a running back but as a symbol of resilience, dedication, and transformation. He’s running for more than touchdowns now. He’s running for every kid who’s been told they can’t. He’s running for every family burdened by cycles of poverty and pain. He’s running for legacy.
And that’s what breaking generational curses is all about. It’s not just about one person succeeding. It’s about creating a new blueprint—one where hard work, education, and integrity lay the foundation for something greater. Montgomery’s return to college may not make the evening highlight reel or go viral on social media, but its impact will be felt for years to come. In an era when so much attention is paid to stats and salaries, David Montgomery is quietly reminding us of something far more important: that true greatness lies in the choices we make when no one is watching.
Finishing college while thriving in the NFL isn’t easy. But then again, nothing in David Montgomery’s life has been. And that’s what makes his story so powerful. He’s not just changing his future. He’s transforming his past. And in doing so, he’s lighting the way for countless others to follow.
