Montgomery’s scouting pride: Texans back hopes his story will inspire more kids like him to join

When David Montgomery's mother initially enrolled him in Cub Scouts, he initially felt self-conscious, believing it wasn't a suitable activity for someone like him. However, this decision ultimately transformed his life. Now 29, Montgomery, the NFL running back for the Houston Texans, remains deeply grateful for his time as a scout and is actively working with the organization to inspire more young people — specifically Black children — to embrace scouting.

Scout Unit 772, a Black troop in Cincinnati, has produced 40 Eagle Scouts, a testament to the troop's commitment to fostering leadership and character development. Jim McMillan, the unit’s committee chairman and a longtime collaborator with Montgomery, expressed pride in the program's ability to uplift young men who initially doubted scouting's relevance to them.

Montgomery acknowledges that scouting provided essential guidance in his youth, instilling values that helped him navigate challenges and make sound decisions. As he progressed through high school, he became a standout athlete, starting as a varsity quarterback by his sophomore year. Balancing football and scouting required strategic planning, and Montgomery found creative ways to integrate both passions, such as organizing donation drives during games to support local causes.

Michael Ramsey, Scouting America's chief marketing officer, highlights Montgomery's story as a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating that one can excel in both sports and scouting. Montgomery, now serving as Scouting America's first recruitment ambassador, proudly promotes the organization through various events. He even made a symbolic statement on the field by displaying his scout insignia after scoring a touchdown, underscoring his dedication to both football and scouting.

For Montgomery, scouting played a crucial role in shaping his character, values, and ultimately his successful NFL career. His coach, DeMeco Ryans, has praised Montgomery's leadership and positive influence, noting that the player embodies the qualities instilled by scouting. McMillan, who has known Montgomery since his early scouting days, attests to his innate leadership abilities, which have only become more pronounced over time.