Mt. Healthy grad, NFL star David Montgomery named national ambassador for Scouting America

Defenders trying to bring down Mount Healthy graduate and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery might not describe him as a Boy Scout on Sundays, but Montgomery can see it in himself.

Montgomery, who was a Boy Scout in Cincinnati with Troop 772, was named Scouting America's Recruitment Ambassador. The national position allows Montgomery to share his Scouting experiences and inform families and children about modern-day Scouting and new skills that can be fostered within the organization.

“David’s inspiring story showcases the valuable impact Scouting can have,” Scouting America CEO Roger Krone said in a release . “Because of the skills David learned while part of his local Cincinnati troop, he was able to reach the pinnacle of Scouting, and also his athletic career. We appreciate David’s leadership on and off the field and we’re excited to have him share the Scouting story with a new generation of youth.”

Montgomery earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the local Dan Beard Council , combining his Eagle Scout project with his abilities on the football field. Montgomery set up toiletry drives at his football games in Mount Healthy.

“While Scouting took me outdoors and helped me discover a lifelong love for camping and fishing, it also taught me valuable lessons like developing a strategy and executing a plan, as well as how to be accountable for others than myself,” Montgomery said in a release. “These skills helped me both in Scouting and also taught me how to be a better athlete on the field.”

Montgomery is in his sixth season in the NFL and second with the Detroit Lions after spending four years with the Chicago Bears. In four games this year, Montgomery has rushed for 271 yards and four touchdowns. He is 105 rushing yards shy of 5,000 for his career.

In college at Iowa State, Montgomery was a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award in 2018 and was the Big 12 Male Sportsperson of the Year in 2019, which factors in sportsmanship and community service. He was known for community service, including many visits to schools and hospitals for children.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mt. Healthy grad, NFL star David Montgomery named national ambassador for Scouting America