NFL Running Back Graduates from Iowa State Amidst Offseason
One of the NFL's most dependable running backs over the last couple years had some unfinished business he needed to address off the field this offseason.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has accomplished a lot over the last couple of years. After spending the duration of his rookie contract with the Chicago Bears, he joined the Detroit Lions and immediately became a dynamic force alongside the Lions' rookie rusher Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs and Montgomery are a tandem known to Lions fans as "Sonic and Knuckles," respectively, and are well-worthy of those monikers in their own rights.
It's been a fast-moving six seasons for the now-27-year-old Montgomery, and it wasn't until this NFL offseason did he get a chance to complete his coursework at Iowa State University, where he played college football for three seasons.
During last week's commencement in Ames, Montgomery received his degree in Human Development and Family Studies. He set a personal goal for himself to complete his studies, and got to walk and receive his diploma:
Getting my Iowa State degree was the most important thing I had on my list. I set a goal I wanted to finish this in the next couple of years, so being able to do that was very important. This was a priority for me. When I got a full-ride scholarship, I made a promise to ensure myself to finish. Full-ride scholarships aren’t easy to come by, and I wanted to make sure I was exhausting every opportunity to ensure I would graduate - David Montgomery, per the Iowa State Letterwinners Club
Over the course of six seasons in the NFL, Montgomery has totaled 5,399 yards (with two separate 1,000+ yard seasons with the Bears and Lions), 51 rushing touchdowns (including 25 in the last two years with Detroit), along with four receiving touchdowns. He's poised to have another productive year alongside Jahmyr Gibbs to make for one of the NFL's most powerful rushing duos.
Montgomery is also under contract with the Lions through the 2027 season. Read more about David Montgomery receiving his diploma from Iowa State University on KCCI's website.
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Gallery Credit: Tom Drake