So much for David Montgomery being a Chicago Bears fan favorite.
After spending four seasons as the Bears' primary hard-charging running back, Montgomery left Chicago for greener pastures in free agency this offseason, signing with the division-rival Detroit Lions on a three-year deal.
Montgomery's departure left Bears fans disappointed and upset that his career in Chicago would end with just one 1,000-yard season and a sinking feeling of what could've been. Now, the Bears are forced to face him twice a year.
Despite signing with the Lions, Bears fans' appreciation for Montgomery remained. Chicago is known for its running backs and linebackers, and while Montgomery never reached superstar status, his never-say-die attitude fit the longstanding tradition of playing running back at Soldier Field. Unfortunately, the warm and fuzzies for Montgomery may have run their course after his harsh comments about his time with the Bears.
“That [losing] was all I was used to,” Montgomery said. “And it got to a point where it sucked the fun out of the game for me because I’m a competitor. I like to compete. That’s what football’s about. It’s so refreshing to be in a place where that’s appreciated.”
Yikes.
Montgomery didn't have to go there. He didn't have to kick the Bears on his way out. Sure, he isn't wrong about the winning percentage during his tenure with the team. But suggesting a move to the Detroit Lions will somehow give him a better chance at experiencing a lot of wins is odd, to say the least.
The Chicago Bears finished with a .500 record in the first two seasons with Montgomery on the roster. The last two? Not so great. But the Lions haven't been any better. Detroit's won 20 games since 2018. The Bears? 25.
The Lions are a team on the upswing, and perhaps David Montgomery is intoxicated by the honeymoon phase of a new team and a bigger paycheck. But if he thinks playing for the Bears was rough? History suggests it'll only get worse in the Motor City.
