March 3, 2026, 1:30 p.m. CT<\/p>\n
New Houston Texans<\/a> running back David Montgomery said goodbye to the Motown City on Monday after his trade to the AFC South franchise for two draft picks and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs<\/a>.<\/p>\n The goodbye to his “Sonic” might take a bit longer for “Knuckles” to pen, though it didn’t take long for his counterpart to let his feeling be known.<\/p>\n Detroit Lions<\/a> All-Pro running back Jahmyr Gibbs posted an emotional goodbye to his backfield partner, tying in the Sega characters into his post. On Instagram, Gibbs shared a photo of the animated characters<\/a> Sonic and Knuckles crying and walking away from each other with tears in their eyes.<\/p>\n After signing in 2023 with the NFC North franchise, Montgomery found out he’d be splitting carries with the future No. 12 overall pick. As a duo, Gibbs and Montgomery split carries in Detroit’s two-back system, but Gibbs eventually emerged as the team’s best option, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and earning three straight Pro Bowl selections.<\/p>\n Montgomery’s production eventually declined in 2025 as Detroit missed the postseason for the first time in three years. His 158 carries marked the lowest of his seven-year career despite playing in all 17 games. For the second straight year, Montgomery failed to reach the 1,000-yard marke.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Enter Houston, a team in need of a complete runner following a lackluster campaign without Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. Now with the Texans<\/a>, Montgomery is expected to be the lead back, with second-year runner Woody Marks expected to take over as the new No. 2 option.<\/p>\n