Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs Gave Props to David Montgomery for Classily Giving Him a TD vs. Chargers

Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs says veteran David Montgomery gifted him a touchdown against the Chargers.
Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs Gave Props to David Montgomery for Classily Giving Him a TD vs. Chargers
Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs Gave Props to David Montgomery for Classily Giving Him a TD vs. Chargers /
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Lions running back David Montgomery is near the top of the NFL leaderboard with seven rushing touchdowns this season. He could have had eight, if not for a selfless decision against the Chargers last weekend. 

In the first quarter of Detroit’s win in Los Angeles, rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs broke off a 35-yard run but was tackled at the 1-yard line. Usually, the bigger Montgomery comes into the game in goal line situations, but not in this case. 

David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs celebrate on the field
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates with running back David Montgomery (5) after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium.  :: Ashley Landis/AP

As Gibbs explained on the podcast that teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown and his brother, Bears receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, host for The 33rd Team, Montgomery let the rookie have the touchdown. 

“I was supposed to come out [of the game] and then David came out [on the field]. He came and got me, and then he was like, ‘Jah, you want [the touchdown]?” Gibbs said. “I was thinking. I was like, ‘Yeah, yeah. Let me get it.’ He was like, ‘Bet.’ He just ran out and he let me get it. So, props to big bro D-Mo.”

It’s a nice gesture by Montgomery to let Gibbs get the touchdown after he was pulled down just shy of the goal line, but Montgomery is lucky Gibbs actually scored on the ensuing play. Coach Dan Campbell wouldn’t have been happy if the 200-pound Gibbs got stood up at the line on a handoff that was supposed to go to the bigger Montgomery. 


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Dan Gartland
DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland is the writer and editor of Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, covering everything an educated sports fan needs to know. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).