David Montgomery expressed confidence that the Detroit Lions are on the verge of a Super Bowl victory, labeling the 2025 season as a “year of calculation.” Following a strong 15-win season in 2024, the top-ranked Lions faced a surprising defeat in the playoff opener against Washington, falling short of their Super Bowl aspirations.
“Everyone is tired of just being close,” Montgomery stated on Sunday. “At first, it’s exciting to come close, but you can’t get comfortable with it. That’s not the legacy you want when you know your team’s potential. This is our year because we want to finish the job.”
The Lions began their training camp at the Major Performance Center, still fueled by the sting of last season’s 45-31 home loss to Washington in the NFC divisional round. Montgomery, who gained 775 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns last year, admitted he’s motivated by a personal hunger to prove himself and be a strong teammate.
“I feel like I’ve been starving for this because I forget sometimes that I’m here,” he said. “I’m not here to prove anyone else wrong but to prove myself right.”
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond reinforced the team’s shared determination, emphasizing the importance of their strong foundation built over the past few years. He noted a significant increase in maturity within the organization since coach Campbell’s arrival in 2021.
“This team has grown up,” Raymond said. “It’s great to see guys develop and become leaders. The maturity here is something special.”
The Lions remain one of four NFL teams that have yet to make a Super Bowl appearance, along with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. Despite this, Detroit holds the second-best odds to win the NFC, right behind the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN BET.
Coach Campbell echoed the team’s resolve, reminding that returning to the playoffs requires continuous effort. “There’s always a price to pay to get back to the dance,” he said. “If you lose focus, you’ll be out by January, and that’s not what we want.”
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Fan Take: This update on the Detroit Lions signals an exciting shift in their trajectory, showing the growing confidence and maturity within the team. NFL fans should watch closely, as the Lions could be a major contender this season, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the NFC.
