David Montgomery

David Montgomery is a football player who defied the odds to make it to college and eventually the NFL. Born in Cincinnati, Montgomery was a quarterback at Mount Healthy High School who knew he needed to change positions if he wanted to play college football. He made a promise to his mother that she would never have to pay for his education, and when Toledo coach Matt Campbell saw him at a satellite camp, he was impressed by Montgomery's lateral movement and competitiveness. Montgomery eventually accepted an offer from Iowa State, but the move meant leaving his family behind. In July 2015, just before Montgomery turned 18, his older brother Maceo Feltha was arrested for murder. Feltha's appeal of the conviction was denied, and he is currently serving 15 years to life in prison. Montgomery sends him money when he can and talks to him occasionally on the phone. Montgomery had a difficult time adjusting to college life, but with Campbell's support and his mother's visits, he eventually became a leader for the Cyclones football team. He led Iowa State to its first winning season since 2009 and highest win total since 2000.