Updated March 2, 2026, 8:05 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
One half of the famed Sonic and Knuckles duo has left the building.<\/p>\n
David Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans<\/a> on Monday morning, ending a three-year stay in the Motor City where the 5-foot-11, 230-pound back played a major role in catapulting the Detroit Lions<\/a> back into Super Bowl contention.<\/p>\n As the blockbuster trade started settling in as a reality, Montgomery took to Instagram to pen a goodbye to his Lions<\/a> teammates and fans.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n It’s hard to find the right words for a goodbye like this.<\/p>\n Detroit has never been just a location to me \u2014 it’s been a community. And you all have been more than supporters or a team. You’ve been steady hands, loud cheers, honest feedback, and quiet strength when I needed it most.<\/p>\n You believe in me when things were uncertain. You stood beside me through challenges. You showed up \u2014 consistently, fiercely and unapologetically.<\/p>\n There is something special about the people here. The resilience. The loyalty. The way you don’t just support someone \u2014 you ride with them. I have felt that from each of you, and I will never take that lightly.<\/p>\n This isn’t goodbye because something ended. It’s goodbye because something grew. And growth sometimes calls us forward.<\/p>\n Please know this: Everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it. The work ethic. The edge. The heart.<\/p>\n Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for walking this chapter with me.<\/p>\n I’m beyond grateful \u2014 and I’ll always be proud to say I was shaped by this city and by you.<\/p>\n With appreciation and respect,<\/p>\n Dmoe<\/p>\n Montgomery departs Detroit after rushing for 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns in three seasons. The Iowa State alum appeared in 45 games and started 28 of them.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n In his career, Montgomery has rushed for 6,115 yards and 59 touchdowns. He has also caught 231 passes for 1,890 receiving yards and four scores in his 105 NFL games played.<\/p>\n For more\u00a0Lions<\/a>\u00a0coverage, follow us on X,\u00a0@TheLionsWire<\/a>, and give our\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0page a like.\u00a0Follow Josh on X,\u00a0@JoshOnLions<\/a><\/p>\n