David Montgomery Posts Heartfelt Goodbye to Lions in IG Photo After Texans Trade, 'Love Always'

David Montgomery is no longer on the Detroit Lions, but he is taking a piece of the team and city with him to the Houston Texans.

After NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Lions traded him to Houston on Monday, the running back posted a lengthy message on his Instagram page with the caption "love always" that thanked the community of Detroit.

"It's hard to find the right words for a goodbye like this," he wrote before adding, "Everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it. The work ethic. The edge. The heart. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for walking this chapter with me."

According to Rapoport, the Lions received fourth- and seventh-round draft picks, as well as offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, in return for the veteran running back.

The Texans could certainly use another playmaker in the backfield considering Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported they are expected to release Joe Mixon this offseason after he missed the entire 2025 campaign.

This trade came together quickly after the NFL Scouting Combine and happened just one day after Montgomery took to social media to seemingly dispel a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that said he "wants out" of Detroit:

While it is clear Montgomery loved Detroit based on his message, he will likely get more opportunities in Houston.

After all, he was sharing a backfield with one of the best running backs in the league with the Lions. The NFC North team unsurprisingly did what it could to feature Jahmyr Gibbs, which meant fewer touches for Montgomery even after he scored a combined 25 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024.

In fact, Montgomery had fewer than 10 carries in seven of the final eight games during the 2025 season and became something of an afterthought in an offense that has so many other playmakers.

He will have to share a backfield with Woody Marks in Houston, but the AFC South team will surely look to keep him involved. That is especially true after it gave up multiple draft picks and a player in Monday's trade.