David Montgomery may only be a 3rd round pick compared to the rest of the 2019 NFL draft class, but he’s still the first selection of the Chicago Bears. That comes with a greater degree of expectations from fans, coaches, and teammates. Especially considering the man he has to replace in Jordan Howard. Somebody who was beloved in the locker room and productive across three years in Chicago.
Then again it’s not like Montgomery is immune to expectations. He was pretty much the man at Iowa State the past two years. The guy who was expected to make everything else go. As he went, so did the Cyclones off. On his back, they delivered a 16-10 record over two seasons. Not bad considering their football program has never been known for consistent winning seasons.
During his segment of the Bears’ “Meet the Rookies” series, Montgomery was asked if he felt similar pressure coming into Chicago as the top draft pick. His answer granted a revealing insight into both his competitiveness and self-confidence.
“I don’t believe in pressure. Pressure only does two things to people. It busts pipes or creates diamonds. I think I’m a diamond in the rough.”
David Montgomery has seen far scarier things than football
Don’t be fooled by the affluent way he carries himself. Montgomery didn’t come from what one would call a stable background. The young man grew up in difficult circumstances. It was an environment he called “hostile.” One that saw friends either arrested or even killed. He lived in it for so long that the regular fear that followed became almost normal.
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That combined with never knowing who his father was, Montgomery was forced to mature far faster than kids his age. It also might explain why he doesn’t approach the game of football with the same nerves others might. Compared to what he saw back on the streets of Cincinnati, playing a physical game like this must seem like a Sunday picnic.
It sure beats the possibility of getting shot.
Montgomery could’ve easily fallen into the same maelstrom of gang culture that is so prevalent in those neighborhoods. Instead, he used the desire to not go down that road as motivation to get himself and his family out. His best option was football. Now he’s a member of the Bears. The next step on his mission is complete. If he is a diamond in the rough as he believes, then he’s certain to shine under the bright lights.
