DETROIT – Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery recently appeared on The Pivot Podcast to discuss their journey, team dynamics, and aspirations for the 2025 National Football League season.
Walking into the interview, which aired on Tuesday (Aug. 19), former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder joked about their diets and the health advice they should receive during their training camp tour.
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Clark said, “He got on Chan earlier because he was eating wasabi and almonds.” Crowder jokingly said, “Watch your sodium, bro,” as Montgomery and Gibbs laughed.
Detroit Lions mindset
The conversation quickly turned serious as the players reflected on the team’s mindset.
Montgomery recalled an early camp interview where he publicly declared, “All right, it’s enough of getting close. Like this is the year.”
“I think for me, I don’t really fear the public like eye of things, and I was just telling the truth,” Montgomery said. “We had this standard and these expectations for ourselves that we haven’t met yet, and this city deserves it.”
Gibbs added that health and discipline are key factors in pushing the team beyond previous playoff disappointments.
“Just being disciplined and keeping everybody healthy is the main thing,” Gibbs said.
Offensive changes
The duo discussed the offensive changes this year, including a new playbook under offensive coordinator John Morton, who replaced Ben Johnson.
“Johnny Mo’s damn good, too,” Montgomery said. “I’m kind of excited to see how it all will shake out.”
Dynamic duo
Together, Gibbs and Montgomery have scored over 50 touchdowns in two years.
They described their relationship as selfless and brotherly.
“We want to see each other succeed,” Gibbs said. “I’m worried more about winning a Super Bowl.”
They alternate series on the field, and both emphasized the importance of staying ready.
“There’s no excuse to being a pro,” Montgomery said. “If I make that excuse as to me not being ready when my number is called, that’s my fault.”
Overcoming adversity
Both players have overcome significant adversity.
Montgomery shared how family struggles motivate him.
“It’s so much bigger than me,” Montgomery said. “If I was to fold and throw in a towel, I’m teaching my son and nephew that it’s okay to quit. That’s not fair. My sister doesn’t get to walk.”
Gibbs spoke about his upbringing in homelessness and how he keeps that separate from his love of football.
“I just like playing,” Gibbs said. “I don’t really jock on it for real.”
Motivations and imulating players
The players nicknamed Sonic and Knuckles also reflected on their inspirations.
Montgomery cited Marshawn Lynch and Walter Payton as a standard he strives to honor.
Gibbs mentioned emulating players like Chris Johnson, Alvin Kamara, and LeSean McCoy, who work hard in the trenches rather than just the stars.
Stealing gym code to work out in college
Montgomery shared a revealing story about his relentless work ethic during his college days at Iowa State.
Knuckles explained how he was motivated not by rivalry with a fellow running back, but by a deep fear of returning home without success.
“I was so infatuated with the fear of going back home and being like everybody else,” Montgomery said.
Despite never being the biggest, fastest, or strongest player, Montgomery embraced his identity and fearlessly pursued his best self.
“I’m cool with that, though. I know who I am. I ain’t scared of nothing,” Montgomery said.
To maximize his chances, Montgomery admitted to stealing the workout code from his coach’s office to gain late-night access to the training facility.
“It was normal to me. It wasn’t like this big thing; I’m trying to impress the coach. I didn’t care. It was more so like, bro, if you don’t get in there and figure it out, it’s over for you," Montgomery said.
Montgomery described sneaking in on weekends to test the code and even bringing friends to train with him.
“We’re in there jamming like everybody working, but we’re in there fooling around, having a good time. Like it was our version of going out while we were getting better,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery reflected on how this dedication shaped his path.
“Now I be standing here six, seven, eight years later, like, ‘I could have been that guy on TV. Hell no. I’mma be that guy. I had a choice. I made it.’”
He also shared that his coach, Matt Campbell, eventually found out but was understanding.
“Coach Campbell, I used to talk to him often. He knows I love him,” Montgomery said.
College experience, including Ohio State and Nick Saban
Gibbs shared insights into his unconventional college football journey, including his decision to commit to Georgia Tech despite being a highly ranked recruit from the state of Georgia.
Gibbs explained that his relationship with his current coach, Tashard Choice, played a major role in his decision.
“Just our first talk on the phone. I just heard him talk, and his expectations of me and just him wanting to meet me really spoke volumes,” Gibbs said.
After visiting Georgia Tech, Gibbs began receiving calls from other programs throughout the remainder of the season.
“I was mainly going to go to Ohio State. I ain’t going to cap,” Gibbs admitted.
However, a scholarship issue and transfer portal situation with Ohio State led him to commit to Georgia Tech instead.
“Now I just went and committed to Tech. Made the decision because of choice, though. That’s really it,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs also reflected on his transition from Georgia Tech to playing under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama.
He noted that, as an offensive player, he mostly saw the defensive coaches during team meetings and split practice time between the two fields.
“Kickoff return, he’ll be over there, he’d be joking with me and stuff. He was cool,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs opened up about his rookie experience with the Lions, sharing how he initially expected lighter practices but quickly realized the intensity of the NFL.
“Like Bama, I ain’t going to lie. I got here and I thought it was going to be like light practices, everything sweet in sweatpants,” Gibbs said. “Man, I got here and we’re in full pads every day. I said, ‘Man, I thought I escaped this [expletive].’”
Gibbs admitted the tough practices with Dan Campbell “had me hot,” but expressed his appreciation for the coaching staff. “I love coach,” he said, highlighting the respect he has for the team’s leadership.
This candid reflection shows Gibbs’ adjustment to the physical demands of professional football and his commitment to embracing the challenge.
Head coach Dan Campbell
They praised head coach Campbell’s gritty, accountable leadership.
“He’s unapologetically harsh and holds everybody accountable,” Montgomery said. “It’s either you in or you ain’t.”
The team’s physical style has opponents wary.
When asked, do teams tap out when they see how physically tough you really are? Montgomery said, “I would hope so.”
Jared Goff
They also highlighted the impact of quarterback Jared Goff, calling him a leader who fuels the team’s confidence.
“JG really got some [expletive] to him,” Montgomery said. “That’s who I want leading the troops.”
“JG is a dog, bruh,” Gibbs said. “He means everything to this team.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was praised for his selfless play and willingness to block hard for the running backs.
“If I see St. going out there to do something like that, when I’m in pass protection, I better kill somebody so I can get that man the ball,” Montgomery said.
The players acknowledged the challenges of recent playoff losses but emphasized growth and resilience.
Gibbs admitted to holding onto guilt after a fumble in the 2023 NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, but said Montgomery helped him move on.
“Let that [expletive] rock out, bro. You a dog,” Montgomery told him.
Super Bowl
Looking ahead to 2025, both running backs expressed their desire to win a Super Bowl.
“That would be very special to me,” Montgomery said.
The interview concluded with lighthearted moments, including a discussion about camp fights and a humorous exchange about a shirt design featuring their images.