The Detroit Lions experienced a 2025 season filled with ups and downs that ultimately left them out of the postseason. Expectations had been high for the team to once again emerge as a serious contender for the championship, but they fell short along the way and were unable to reach their ultimate objective.
Because of that disappointing outcome, the franchise is now preparing to make significant changes ahead of the 2026 season in hopes of resetting the organization and returning to the top of the league. The immediate goal is to regain control of the NFC North and, from there, build enough momentum to make the playoffs their gateway to a potential appearance in Super Bowl LXI.
However, those changes have already brought about decisions that were not well received by one of the team’s brightest stars, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who openly expressed his frustration after learning that running back David Montgomery had been traded.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s complaint about David Montgomery’s departure
During an appearance on the NFL podcast, the Lions receiver admitted that he was unhappy with the team’s decision to move his teammate, David Montgomery, during the offseason.
You know I’m sick. Selfishly, I’m sick because I love DMo. One of my favorite teammates. I feel like he was, no matter what the situation was, we all knew that he wanted more carries.”… “And he wanted to play more. He never made it about himself. He was all about the team, which I know is hard sometimes, especially in his position. He’s an RB1 on 31 other teams.
The receiver’s frustration was evident as he continued discussing the situation and the impact it had on him and the locker room.
He’s damn near RB1 for us. But it’s like you got two guys, two really good running backs, but only one running back can really play. I’m upset, but I’m also really happy for DMo, because I know how much he wanted to have a bigger role on offense. I think he’s going to get that in Houston. I think he’s going to make a lot of noise.
St. Brown also revealed that he immediately reached out to his now former teammate after hearing the news of the trade.
No way. I texted him right away and said, ‘I love you bro, I’m excited for you, and I’m going to call you later.’ And then I went to our group chat with me and basically all of the running backs – me, (former Lions backup) Craig (Reynolds), Jahmyr (Gibbs), (former Lions running back) Jermar (Jefferson) and (Sione) Vaki.
So, (Montgomery) texted the group chat, ‘It was a pleasure playing with you boys.’ And then we all just reacted and sent sad emojis and stuff. He let us know before everyone else even knew.
Montgomery’s departure clearly struck an emotional chord not only with St. Brown but also with several members of the locker room, where the group had developed a reputation for being particularly close.
Now the running back is headed to Houston, where the offensive system and style of play could allow him to assume a more prominent role and potentially thrive in ways that were difficult to achieve during his time in Detroit.
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