It was more than just a typical game Sunday for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, who played college football at Iowa State.
The Lions‘ Week 5 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals marked the first time Montgomery played in his hometown of Cincinnati since his senior season at Mt. Healthy High, located roughly 10 miles north of the Bengals’ Paycor Stadium, in 2015.
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Sunday, Oct. 5, was also the first game Montgomery’s sister Kiki got to see her brother play in person since a February 2024 car accident left her paralyzed from the neck down.
With Kiki in attendance alongside a large group of family and friends to see Montgomery play, the Cincinnati native showed off with a two-touchdown performance in a 37-24 win for Detroit. The 28-year-old led all Lions rushers with 18 carries for 65 yards and also got to relive his high school days as a quarterback for one of his touchdowns when he threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brock Wright.
“To be able to come back home where it all started for me … I think it was a super special moment,” Montgomery said postgame.
Emotional homecoming for David Montgomery
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs for a touchdown against Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
During Sunday’s game, Fox, who was broadcasting the show, shared the story of Montgomery’s return to Cincinnati and being able to play in front of his sister again.
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After scoring his second touchdown on an eight-yard run, the cameras turned to Kiki, who was congratulated by a Bengals fan with a fist bump.
Montgomery was asked how meaningful it was to have his sister present on Sunday.
“It was super, super meaningful,” Montgomery replied. I really appreciate the Cincinnati Bengals helping making sure that she got on the field. I think that was special. And I appreciate them for that.”
David Montgomery 2025-26 stats
In five games this season, Montgomery has recorded over 350 total yards and four touchdowns. He has nearly 7,500 all-purpose yards and 61 touchdowns across his seven NFL seasons.
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During his three seasons with the Cyclones (2016-2018), Montgomery finished with 3,507 total yards and 26 touchdowns.
USA TODAY network reporters Carlos Monarrez and Dave Clark contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Lions’ David Montgomery shines in first game with sister in attendance