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The Truth Behind David Montgomery's Diet: Is The Lions Star Still Vegan?

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The question of David Montgomery's diet has become a fascinating, and often contradictory, topic among NFL fans, especially since his high-profile move to the Detroit Lions. As of December 2025, the latest reports present a confusing picture: while the running back is famously associated with a highly successful shift to a plant-based diet, recent anecdotes suggest he may have reintroduced meat into his meals, creating a heated debate over his current nutritional philosophy. This article dives into the history of his diet change, the performance benefits he experienced, and the most current, conflicting evidence regarding his vegan status.

The Detroit Lions star, known for his relentless running style and durability, initially credited his dietary overhaul—specifically, cutting out all meat and animal products—for boosting his energy levels and improving his overall health. This commitment to a vegan lifestyle was one of the most talked-about athlete diet stories of the past few years, making any potential change a major point of interest for both football enthusiasts and the wider plant-based community.

David Montgomery: Full Biography and Career Profile

David Montgomery is an American professional football running back celebrated for his powerful running style and versatility. His journey from a standout college player to a key offensive weapon in the NFL is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.

  • Full Name: David Montgomery
  • Date of Birth: June 7, 1997
  • Place of Birth: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • High School: Mount Healthy High School (Mount Healthy, Ohio)
  • College: Iowa State University (2016–2018)
  • College Career Highlights: Finished his career at Iowa State with 2,925 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, earning back-to-back First-team All-Big 12 honors.
  • NFL Draft: Selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • Position: Running Back (RB)
  • Current Team: Detroit Lions (Signed in 2023)
  • Height: 5'11"
  • Weight: 230 lbs
  • Key Characteristics: Known for his ability to break tackles, excellent vision, and high-motor play.

The Genesis of the Vegan Diet: Improved Performance and the 'Carrot Moment'

Montgomery’s initial foray into the plant-based lifestyle began while he was with the Chicago Bears. The decision was rooted in a desire to optimize his performance and health as a professional athlete. This dietary shift involved removing all meat and animal products, including dairy and eggs, from his meals.

A Quest for Peak High-Performance Nutrition

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, every advantage counts. Montgomery reported a significant positive impact after adopting the vegan diet in 2020. He felt "more energized" and "slimmer" than he had during his rookie season, attributing his improved feeling and stamina to the change. This experience aligns with many athletes who transition to a plant-based diet, citing benefits such as faster recovery times, reduced inflammation, and sustained energy levels throughout a rigorous season. The focus of an NFL running back's nutrition is paramount for career longevity, and the plant-based diet offered a new path to achieving peak physical condition.

The Viral Thanksgiving Carrot Moment

The most iconic moment solidifying Montgomery's association with veganism occurred after a Thanksgiving Day game. While other players were famously seen celebrating with traditional turkey legs, Montgomery was captured on camera happily munching on a raw carrot. This simple, yet powerful, visual immediately went viral, cementing his reputation as one of the few prominent vegan NFL players and earning him the affectionate nickname for his unique post-game snack. The "carrot moment" became a symbol of his commitment to his nutritional choices, even in the face of long-standing football traditions.

The Conflicting Reports: Is David Montgomery Still Plant-Based?

While the history of Montgomery's plant-based success is well-documented, the most recent information suggests a potential shift, leading to a major debate over his current dietary status. The question, "Is David Montgomery a vegan today?" has become surprisingly complex.

The Chitlin, Ham, and Turkey Controversy

The primary source of the recent confusion stems from a report tied to the Detroit Lions social media team. According to unverified claims circulating online (including on major sports forums in late 2024), Montgomery allegedly stated that his Thanksgiving plate included traditional Southern fare like "chitlin, ham and turkey." These foods are unequivocally animal products, suggesting a definitive departure from a strict vegan or even vegetarian diet.

This report directly contradicts the narrative established by his famous carrot moment and his previously reported success on a diet free of animal products. The use of the word "chitlin" (chitterlings, the cleaned and prepared intestines of hogs) is particularly specific to soul food and Southern cooking, adding a layer of detail to the claim.

The Ambiguity and Lack of a Clear Update

The challenge for fans and analysts is the lack of a clear, recent, and direct statement from David Montgomery himself or the Detroit Lions organization confirming his current diet. The reports of him eating meat are anecdotal and often presented in the context of a social media comment or a fan discussion, not a formal interview.

Some fans hypothesize that the comment about "chitlin, ham and turkey" may have been a joke or a reference to a family tradition he misses, rather than an accurate reflection of what he actually ate. Given his history and the notable performance benefits he achieved, it is possible he has adopted a more flexible, "plant-forward" or "flexitarian" approach, reintroducing some animal products while maintaining a heavy focus on whole, plant-based foods for optimal NFL running back nutrition.

Topical Authority: The Impact of Diet on NFL Running Backs

The discussion around David Montgomery’s diet highlights a growing trend in professional sports: the strategic use of nutrition for competitive advantage. For an NFL running back, who absorbs more physical punishment than almost any other position, diet is a critical factor in both performance and recovery.

  • Inflammation Reduction: Plant-based diets are naturally high in antioxidants and lower in inflammatory compounds, which can significantly speed up recovery from the intense physical trauma of an NFL game.
  • Sustained Energy: Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide a sustained energy source, crucial for maintaining power throughout four quarters of football.
  • Weight Management: Many athletes, including Montgomery, find that a plant-based diet aids in maintaining a leaner, more athletic physique without sacrificing strength, which is vital for a running back's speed and agility.

Whether Montgomery is currently a strict vegan, a vegetarian, or a flexitarian, his journey illustrates the powerful role that food plays in elite sports. His initial success with the plant-based diet remains a compelling case study for athletes exploring high-performance nutrition alternatives. Until a definitive update is provided, David Montgomery’s current status will remain one of the most intriguing and debated topics in modern NFL diet culture.

is david montgomery a vegan
is david montgomery a vegan

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