The Texans schedule brings an unusual reunion Sunday at 1 p.m. in Houston, where Bengals safety Bryan Cook and Texans running back David Montgomery are set to meet for the third time in their NFL careers.
That alone makes the matchup worth a closer look. Cook and Montgomery were teammates a decade ago at Mount Healthy High School under head coach Arvie Crouch, and both eventually made it to the NFL from Cincinnati. Now they will see each other again with plenty of familiar history behind the matchup.
A rivalry that started in high school
Crouch said the two were competitive long before they reached the league. He recalled a hard-fought matchup from their high school days, saying the sideline camera crews were “scared out of their minds” and adding, “They were getting after it.”
That same edge has followed them into the NFL. Crouch said he always knew both players were special, even if the professional level was never guaranteed. “I knew they were special guys. NFL? I knew they could play Division I,” he said. He also praised their consistency and character, describing them as always being there, never missing, and being super conscientious, super intelligent and very caring.
How the NFL meetings have gone
Their first NFL meeting came in the 2023 opener, when the Lions beat the Chiefs 21-20. Montgomery rushed for 74 yards on 21 carries and scored the winning touchdown with seven minutes left, while Cook finished with seven tackles.
Last season, the Chiefs beat Detroit 30-17. Cook again had seven tackles, and Montgomery was limited to 24 yards on four carries. Sunday will be the third time they have faced each other in the NFL, giving this Texans schedule matchup a rare personal layer.
More than just a football connection
Cook has been open about how much Montgomery meant to him while he was coming up. He called Montgomery his big bro and said he was a blessing to him as an older guy from Cincinnati. Cook added that he asked him plenty of questions over the years and still does, noting that Montgomery has always made time to give advice.
Cook also described Montgomery as “the ultimate competitor.” That is the part of the reunion that stands out most. Both players know each other well, but when Sunday arrives, the friendship gives way to the game.
Crouch put it simply: even if he has roots with both players, the emotions split cleanly on game day. “No matter what, you're rooting for your kid,” he said. “I'm a Bengals fan at heart my whole life, but when David has the ball, I want him to score. When Cookie is out there, I want him to make a play.”
For a Sunday matchup in Houston, that is about as good of a football storyline as it gets: two former Mount Healthy teammates, now established NFL players, meeting again with familiar respect and no shortage of competition.
