D.J. Montgomery Bio
D. J. Montgomery (born November 17, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Madison, Mississippi, Montgomery played college football at Austin Peay State University after beginning his collegiate career at Holmes Community College. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has since spent time with multiple NFL and USFL franchises throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
D. J. Montgomery grew up in Madison, Mississippi, where he attended Madison Central High School. During his high school career, Montgomery developed into a promising wide receiver, setting the foundation for his future in football. His athletic abilities and dedication to the sport became evident during his formative years in the competitive Mississippi high school football scene.
After graduating from Madison Central High School, Montgomery initially attended Holmes Community College. At Holmes CC, he played as a wide receiver for two seasons from 2015 to 2016. As a sophomore, Montgomery showcased his exceptional talent by catching 36 passes for 991 yards and ten touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-State honors, highlighting his status as one of the top junior college receivers in the country.
Path to Professional Football
Following his impressive stint at Holmes Community College, Montgomery was rated as a three-star prospect and garnered attention from several four-year programs. He made the decision to transfer to Austin Peay State University, where he joined the Governors football program for his remaining collegiate eligibility.
Montgomery made an immediate impact at Austin Peay, earning a starting role in his first season with the team. He finished his junior year second on the team with 19 receptions for 228 receiving yards and three touchdowns. As a senior, he continued his strong play, catching 42 passes for 797 yards and ten touchdowns. His consistent production at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision level demonstrated his ability to compete at higher levels of football.
D.J. Montgomery Career
Cleveland Browns (2019)
Montgomery entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He signed with the Cleveland Browns on May 3, 2019, following the conclusion of the NFL draft. The Browns saw potential in the young receiver and gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp.
However, Montgomery faced an early setback when he suffered a hamstring injury during training camp. The injury proved to be season-ending, as he was placed on injured reserve on August 21, 2019. This unfortunate injury prevented him from seeing any regular-season action during his rookie year with the Browns. Montgomery was waived by the Browns on August 19, 2020.
New York Jets (2020–2021)
Montgomery was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on August 30, 2020. His tenure with the Jets began with limited opportunities, as he was released before the start of the regular season and signed to the practice squad. Montgomery remained on the Jets practice squad throughout the entirety of the 2020 season, continuing to develop his skills while waiting for an opportunity.
His persistence paid off when he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Jets on January 4, 2021. Montgomery competed for a spot on the active roster during training camp but was waived at the end of camp on August 31, 2021. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On December 12, 2021, Montgomery was elevated to the active roster for the team’s Week 14 game against the New Orleans Saints, giving him his first regular-season NFL action.
Montgomery signed another reserve/future contract with the Jets on January 10, 2022, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development. He was waived on May 10, 2022, but was re-signed on May 24, 2022. He was ultimately waived again on July 26, 2022, ending his tenure with the Jets organization.
Houston Texans and Michigan Panthers (2022)
On December 14, 2022, Montgomery signed with the Houston Texans practice squad. This move provided him with another opportunity to continue his professional football career and refine his skills within an NFL franchise environment.
Following his time with the Texans, Montgomery signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL) on June 1, 2023. The USFL provided Montgomery with an opportunity for increased playing time and exposure. He played for the Panthers during the 2023 season before being released from his contract on August 18, 2023, to sign with an NFL team.
Indianapolis Colts (2023–Present)
Montgomery first joined the Indianapolis Colts on August 3, 2022, but was waived less than three weeks later on August 22, 2022. He returned to the Colts organization on August 18, 2023, signing with the team after his release from the Michigan Panthers.
His second stint with the Colts began with a brief stint on the active roster before being waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad. Montgomery was signed to the active roster on December 14, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career path. Throughout the 2023 season, he contributed to the Colts offense in limited action.
Montgomery continued with the Colts into the 2024 season, though he was released on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025, securing his place with the organization for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, Montgomery was placed on injured reserve on August 13, 2025, ending his season prematurely.
D.J. Montgomery Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning multiple franchises, Montgomery has appeared in limited games, primarily contributing on special teams and as a depth receiver. His professional career has been characterized by persistence and adaptability across different team environments.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cleveland Browns | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | New York Jets | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | New York Jets | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Houston Texans | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Indianapolis Colts | 6 | 92 | 1 |
D.J. Montgomery Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding D. J. Montgomery’s family background and personal relationships. The wide receiver maintains a relatively private personal life, with his athletic career serving as the primary focus of public attention.
Personal Life
Montgomery continues to pursue his professional football career while residing in the Indianapolis area during the football season. He remains active on social media under the handle @djmontgomery___, where he connects with fans. Montgomery’s journey through multiple NFL franchises demonstrates his resilience and determination to establish himself at the professional level.
2025 Season Outlook
D. J. Montgomery enters the 2025 season with the Indianapolis Colts following a season-ending injury that placed him on injured reserve in August 2024. The wide receiver will look to recover fully and compete for a roster spot during training camp. Montgomery’s experience across multiple NFL organizations and his ability to contribute on special teams provide him with valuable versatility as he works to return to the active roster. The Colts coaching staff will evaluate his progress during the offseason program and preseason to determine his role within the team’s offensive plans for the upcoming campaign.