Texans RB1 David Montgomery already a team leader: 'Ready to do this thing'

Standing on the Texans' practice field after finishing a day of powerful touchdown runs and smooth catches out of the backfield, David Montgomery walked over to give his mom a big hug.

Roberta Mitchell raised the Texans running back in Cincinnati, Ohio by herself as a single mother, instilling love and discipline in Montgomery and his siblings while dealing with difficult financial and life situations as they dealt with adversity in a rough neighborhood. Montgomery never knew his father. He didn't stick around. And his mother worked tirelessly, pulling double and triple shifts at work to feed Montgomery and his brothers. When the heat was cut off in their home, they would turn the stove up high to warm up. Montgomery and his brothers boiled water just to take a hot bath.

It was his mother who inspired Montgomery to get involved in Boy Scouts. She would remind him to set out his uniform the night before a board of review for his latest merit badge. That meant ironing his shirt and setting out his shirt, neckerchief, scarf, pants, socks and boots, earning his rank with Troop 772 after initially starting out as a Cub Scout.

Montgomery eventually became an Eagle Scout, the highest honor in scouting. His project: collecting toiletries to help the homeless. 

He's now a proud, official Scouting America recruiting ambassador as a national spokesman.

If not for his mother's example of perseverance and sacrifice and the lessons he learned in scouting and applies to this day, who knows where Montgomery might be today. Now, he's the Texans' featured running back as the centerpiece of a rebuilt running game after an offseason trade from the Detroit Lions and is playing under a two-year, $16.5 million contract extension. 

Scouting became the cornerstone foundation of his life. He wore the organizational sash before a game in Detroit as part of his game day fit.

"It's really an unappreciated thing," Montgomery said during an interview after practice. "It's hard to become an Eagle Scout. People kind of laugh at it because they look at the simplicity of things. Like, it's just selling popcorn, or some people think we sell cookies. No, but it helped me build my character as a human and as a man, and learning how to be responsible and being dependable, and those things that build the proper human characteristics that you need in a person. My mom kind of pushed me into it. At first, I didn't want to do it. But my mom being who my mom is, she made me stick it through. It was the best thing I could have did."

That mentality of hard work and being squared away is something Montgomery applies to everything he does on and off the field. 

Montgomery has a punishing running style, but he's also versatile and elusive and has rushed for 6,115 career rushing yards. Down roughly 10 pounds to 225 pounds through a strict training regimen and diet, Montgomery has wowed coaches and teammates at training camp. He looks faster than ever.

"I think just being strong and being at a good weight that you're comfortable with helps," Montgomery said. "I think this is the best shape that I've been in in my career, honestly."

The way that Montgomery has fit into the Texans' locker room and the offense as a key chess piece has been through an organic, authentic approach. He has become good friends with his backfield teammate, second-year running back Woody Marks. And he has provided leadership through both his words and actions. The Texans are thrilled that Montgomery is a part of their vibrant, team-first culture.

“What I like best about David is his approach," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "You talk about a true professional. He shows up every day, prepared and ready to go. He’s very attentive in meetings. Seeing his demeanor in on the field, it’s a business-like approach. From my first call, I remember calling him when we first traded for him, that was the same call that I had, it was the same guy. He hasn't changed.

"It's a business-like approach. He was that way when I saw him play in different places, in Chicago and in Detroit. He’s a very productive player. When he touches the football, he's going to gain yards. He’s very productive and a very selfless player. He has shared the backfield in multiple spots. When he touches it, he's going to bring some power. He's going to bring some juice to our offense. Every run he gets, you see the force at which he runs with. He’s just a really great person to have on our team.”

Montgomery has earned his rugged reputation as a hard-nosed, blue-collar runner who thrives on breaking tackles and trucking defenders.

With the Lions, Montgomery was nicknamed 'Knuckles' as part of a stellar backfield tandem with star Jahmyr Gibbs, who's known as 'Sonic.'

When the Texans acquired Montgomery, Texans nickel Jalen Pitre, one of the hardest hitters in the game, was already aware of his credentials going back to his college days at Iowa State when Pitre was at Baylor.

"David, he's different," Pitre said. "I remember, going way back, I’m talking about before when we played at the Lions, when I was a freshman in college and we were playing Iowa State. It was the first time I ever saw somebody just get completely ran over as a true freshman. I'm like, ‘Is this for me?’ I know he's going to elevate the offense and do a great job for the team this year.

"I talked to him about that when I saw him in Detroit after the game. I was like, ‘I've been watching you for a long time from afar.’ I had a little hit on him and I'm like, ‘I can't slow down. I have to bring it.’ We've all seen the highlights. He’s a great back that can do everything. He can catch it, run it, spin it, truck it, juke it, whatever you want. He's one of them.”

When Pitre's comments were relayed to Montgomery, he broke into a big smile.

The respect of your peers in football is priceless. It means everything.

"I'm grateful," Momtgomery said. "I'm blessed to be in a place to where I can kind of come in, and these guys already see me as a leader. It's a testament to the amount of work and kind of the role that I came from being in the league as long as I have. 

"I'm still out to prove myself, and for somebody like JP to see me that way, and me seeing him how I see him, it's let me turn it up some more because I want to be able to reach the standard that everybody else has set. I'm trying to reset it too so that I can be the best version of myself."

That applies to Montgomery, on and off the football.

Growing up without a father, Montgomery was taught that he should never cry. Now, he's a proud father of a son. He has learned to be vulnerable and express his emotions.

His Instagram handle is 'reallyunderstandme' 

That label is a reflection of his personal approach to life and family and a desire to be seen as more than an athlete. He has emphasized that true maturity comes through being comfortable with himself and not being defined by his aggressive playing style. Montgomery even writes poetry.

It's all about growth and inner peace and handling distractions. Montgomery maintainsa small inner circle of trust. 

Through the love of his son, Montgomery keeps grounded. It's not about football. Becoming a father changed his life.

"He really realizes who I am, as far as what I do, but he does realize that I am his dad," Montgomery said. "He appreciates that immensely. When I'm on the field, I'm one version. I've got to learn how to turn the switch from being very aggressive, being violent on the field, to being with my son and being emotionally aware and being able to just be there for him.

"My son shows an unconditional love that I've never experienced before. It's a beautiful thing, and my son is the best thing that ever happened to me. I would say I wasn't emotionally vulnerable enough, and my son has allowed me to learn how to use that as an attribute and to be expressive in a healthy way and be paying dividends."

Montgomery busted through the line of scrimmage at practice, his momentum, vision and acceleration carrying him past the defense.

Although there’s no contact, the violence behind his shoulder pads is unmistakable. Montgomery is a downhill running back who thrives on running through tacklers. Although Montgomery is known for his ability to lower the boom, he’s already showing his wiggle in the open field with the Texans.

As the Texans’ new RB1 after joining a returning playoff squad, Montgomery is slated for a heavy workload that includes pass-catching duties as he works in tandem with Marks.

This is a featured role for Montgomery after complementing Gibbs and, ultimately, leaving Detroit as his carries and touches declined annually.

“He’s a three-down back,” Texans running backs coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett said. “He can do it all. It first starts with his mentality. He comes to work every day, same guy every day. How can I get better? The first meeting we had, we talked about how can we get better. He wants to be the best.

“Leave a mark on the game, but also helping the young guys develop that mindset. He’s going to finish every run. He’s going to finish every block. And it’s just that type of mentality that he’s brought to our room that’s going to carry us to the next level with the talent that we have.”

The Texans traded for Montgomery in exchange for offensive guard Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round selection and a seventh-round pick.

The scouting report on Montgomery preceded him with Barrett. He’s been watching Montgomery for a long time, and he did his homework talking with Lions staff after the trade was finalized.

“Watching film, you study guys and hear there may be an opportunity,” Barrett said when asked to recall his reaction to the percolating trade discussions led by general manager Nick Caserio. “And I was already prepared. Once the trade went down, you quit looking at other people. You focus on the guy that’s coming in here. I was already for him when he walked into the door.

“I put in a call to his former coach: ‘Give me the game plan. Give me the Cliff notes, what I need to know.’ He said, ‘Coach, what you see on film, you already know. And the same guy on film is going to be the same guy every day at practice. Not only from his coach, but we also had a former strength and conditioning coach that left and went to join them. He called. Same deal.”

The relationship between Montgomery and Marks has developed quickly. They became friends right away, including Montgomery attending Marks' charity bowling event in Houston at Lucky Strike.

"I have never rapidly gotten close to somebody as fast as I've gotten to Woody, with the exception of Jahmyr, that's my little brother," Montgomery said. "Me and Woody, we just met a couple of months ago, but me and him are taking trips together. We're hanging out often. He comes to my crib and stuff like that. That's a rare thing, but to see how adaptive he is and accepting of who I am, it makes me want to make him better and him making me better also.

"It makes everything easier, too. You don't want two of your top guys in the room going head-to-head, not liking each other. It gives bad juju to the room, and it's not that at all. I'm learning from Woody, and he's learning from me, and he's teaching me things as far as what he thinks I should have done this way or I should have done better, and vice versa."

Montgomery rushed for 4.5 yards per carry last season and has averaged 4.1 yards per run for his career. The Texans’ running game ranked 22nd overall, 3.9 yards per carry, 29th in the NFL, and 31st with nine touchdown runs. They badly needed reinforcements. Montgomery provides that anchor for their running game.

The Texans plan to run the football, a lot, as Ryans and other staffers have repeatedly emphasized.

“He loves football, he’s very serious, he’s a true pro,” Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley said. “I’ve admired him for a long time, dating back to when he was at Iowa State. He’s a Cincinnati guy. He’s tough. He embodies everything we want here with our team and with our offense.

"I’m really, really happy that he’s a part of our team. He’s made an impact. You can feel him. He goes about his business the right way every single day. He’s been great. Really, really happy he’s been an addition to our team.”

A former Chicago Bears third-round draft pick, Montgomery has rushed for 6,115 career yards and 59 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns his first season in Detroit in 2023 and 775 yards and 12 touchdowns two seasons ago. His career-high for rushing yards is 1,070 yards in 2020 in Chicago, his second season in the league.

Montgomery finished his Lions career with 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns in three seasons. He had 1,015 yards, the second most of his career, in 2023.

“He’s all-day tough,” Caley said. “His body of work will speak for itself. Runs behind his pads, stays grounded. Arm tackles aren’t getting it done. He’s going to try to run through you every single chance. He can sets guys up. He understands how to set blocks and to deliver and help deliver defenders to the blocker.

“You look at his pass game production, he’s just got a really good feel. He’s refined. He takes a lot of pride in his route running. He brings a lot. That’s one of the many reasons I’m really excited about him.”

The Texans made a significant financial commitment to Montgomery that included a $6.5 million signing bonus. The revised deal has a $1.5 million base salary this year that is fully guaranteed and up to $500,000 in per game active roster bonuses. His first-year payout is up to $8.5 million.

Next year, he is due a $7.5 million salary with $2 million of it guaranteed and a total of $500,000 in per game active roster bonuses.

Montgomery, 28, was previously due a nonguaranteed $5.49 million base salary this year and $7.49 million in 2027 with void years in 2028 and 2029.

Now that Montgomery a Texans, Lions coach Dan Campbell predicts he’ll be a big hit in Houston.

“I love David Montgomery,” Campbell said at the annual NFL meetings in March. “He’s a stud. He’s unbelievable. We had a conversation and felt like this was something that was going to be good for both sides. This gave David an opportunity to be the bell-cow and we got some value back

“I love David. He’s a freaking pro, man. He is unbelievable. So, he will be missed, but I think the Houston Texans are going to be very happy with the back they just got. I think he makes them better.”

Montgomery has moved on from Detroit, but he has fond memories. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Motown. It was time, though, for him to carve out his own path in a new football environment as the main guy.

The positive words from Campbell resonated with Montgomery.

"It's a testament to who coach Campbell is and the kind of culture that he's built over there and I was a part of," Montgomery said. "It's also a testament to my mom and how she raised me and the people around who she placed me around, who taught me the right things to carry myself in the proper way to wherever room I step in or wherever place I'm at, I can leave my mark in a positive way.

"I'll always have love for Detroit. They counted on me, and they gave me a shot, and they helped boost my career. So, I wish nothing but the best of luck to those guys, but I'm happy to be in Houston. I'm ready to do this thing."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL insider for KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. He also has a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWilsonSport

Tempers boil over in Texans full-pads practice

It was a chippy day as the Texans got into full pads with tempers boiling over after rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz slammed rookie running back Noah Whittington to the ground as he scored a touchdown.

A shoving match ensued that included several offensive players going after Woodaz. Cooler heads prevailed, but Texans coach DeMeco Ryans doesn't want to waste time on fighting.

Texans rookie center Keylan 'Big Red' Rutledge, in a recurring them for the first-round draft pick, got into a brief back-and-forth after blocking Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter after the play was over.

"We got a little tired there at the end and a little scuffle broke out," Ryans said. "I don't want to see that, as I mentioned to our guys. We want to be smart in how we prepare, how we train. We have to be smarter there.

"We just have to make smart decisions. As we all know in football, there is no fighting on the field. You can't do this, so we just have to be smart in how we train."

Rutledge's aggressiveness and nonstop mentality are constants at practice and are the talk of training camp so far.

“I love it," cornerback Kamari Lassiter said. "It's football. There's a lot of aggression that comes with football, so him playing with just that kind of style, it doesn't bother me at all. I don't think it bothers anyone on the defense or on the offense, really. It's just we all have the same mentality of, ‘You're not going to one-up me. You're not going to outdo me on the football field.’ It's just competition and we love it.”

Jadeveon Clowney officially signs $8 million contract

Jadeveon Clowney officially signed his one-year, $8 million maximum value contract. The deal has a base value of $5.5 million for the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher and former Texans top overall pick.

Clowney's addition should give the Texans' top-ranked defense a boost as he joins Pro Bowl pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

"He brings a physical aspect to the football game, to our defense," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "A guy who can get after the passer as well. We'll try to get him, get him acclimated.

Clowney told Sports Talk 790 he is back with the Texans to chase a Super Bowl, turning down higher offers from the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks.

"It's great," Clowney said in a telephone interview. "It was a family decision. It wasn't about the money. It was about legacy and chasing a Super Bowl. I've got a lot of game left and I want to contribute."

Clowney, 33, contacted Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and made it clear his preference to be with the Texans. Clowney also had interest from the Cleveland Browns, whom he visited, and the Seattle Seahawks.

"I was looking forward to playing for DeMeco," Clowney said of the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker. "Pretty exciting coach to play for. I reached out to him and told him I wanted to play for him."

It's a full-circle moment for Clowney.

"For sure, I was so excited," Clowney said. "I had more opportunities. When I found out the Texans were interested, it was a no-brainer for me. It was comfortable for me to do that. I was excited to help the situation."

Having Clowney as a third defensive end working in tandem with Pro Bowl pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter makes a formidable, top-ranked defense even stronger.

"I was excited about playing with those guys," Clowney said. "Good defense, and I can help contribute and a good chance to chase a Super Bowl. I know what it looks like. I can help this squad."

Clowney was assigned his old No. 90 jersey as teammate Logan Hall voluntarily switched to No. 96.

Hall, per a source, didn't want any financial compensation. The former University of Houston standout gave up number out of respect for Clowney, a 33-year-old 'OG' in the game.

Clowney had 8 1/2 sacks last season for the Dallas Cowboys.

"I feel like he has the same mentality we have on the defense," Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter said. "I'm excited."

Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr., back with the team after being released with a failed physical in March after rupturing his pectoral last season, moved well in drills.

"We know what Mario brings," Ryans said. "Mario brings an unmatched intensity, fire, passion for football. He's made a lot of plays for us. Played a lot for us, a guy you can count on."

NOTES: Whittington, an elusive undrafted rookie from Oregon, has impressed the coaching staff. He has made several big plays throughout training camp. .. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was intercepted by safety Calen Bullock as he jumped in front of wide receiver Nico Collins, the intended target. Overall, Stroud made some sharp throws. That included finding Collins in a red-zone drill. He also ran for a touchdown. Stroud delivered a sideline pass that Collins snagged with one hand. ... Rutledge has had a strong training camp as he compete with returning starter Jake Andrews for the center job. Rutledge played center exclusively Monday. He had one snap that was off-target to backup quarterback Davis Mills. ... Hunter is unblockable for the most part. He keeps getting past left tackle Aireontae Ersery for sacks. Rookie tight end Marlin Klein is no match for Hunter and gave up another sack. ... Wide receiver Tank Dell didn't participate in practice. Reserve linebacker Jake Hummel returned to practice after missing a few days with an undisclosed injury. Linebacker Jake Hansen remains out and is week to week with an ankle injury. There is hope he will be ready for the start of the season. The Texans gave a lot of reps to rookie linebacker Aiden Fisher, who had a tackle for a loss and had his best practice of camp. Marte Mapu has been the leading candidate for the third linebacker job. ... Punter Kai Kroeger had a rough day. Rookie Jack Stonehouse has had better hangtime and a stronger leg. ... Backup running back Woody Marks, the starter as a rookie, continues to shine. "From Woody, this time around, I'm seeing a guy who's very intentional," DeMeco Ryans said. "A guy who's learned a lot as a rookie and you're seeing that growth already. He's becoming a real pro in his approach to the game. I've mentioned this before, he's looking much more sudden and quicker with his cuts and his decisions. It's going to be a great year for Woody."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL insider for KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. He also has a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWilsonSport