GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The family of Gregory Montgomery Jr., a former NFL punter for the Detroit Lions, is continuing to honor his life. The West Michigan Spartans Alumni Group will honor the family’s organization with an award. The organization was started to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
“We miss him terribly," Gregory Montgomery, Sr. said. "I miss his hug, he gave the best hugs."
The Montgomery family has kept Greg Jr.’s legacy alive since he took his own life four years ago. The family said as time goes on, the pain never goes away. With the hope of having something positive come from the tragedy, the family started the Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation for Ultimate Growth.
“We decided to get this foundation running and it was just two or three days after Greg passed that we put this all together," Montgomery, Sr. said. "It has been the reaction and help that we've received from all has been just remarkable."
The foundation honors Greg Jr.’s legacy by raising awareness and funds for mental health education, resources and suicide prevention for schools and communities. Thursday, the Montgomery family will receive the 2024 Legacy Award at the 14th Annual Spartan Winter Tailgate.
“It's humbling to be in conversation with so many wonderful people in organizations," Montgomery-Moran said. "The fact that my dad went to Michigan State and both of my brothers went to Michigan State and there's a love just for the Spartans alone right there, but to be included in wonderful company it's just amazing."
Although the foundation has received awards, support and recognition its work is not done. The family says they want those who need help to know it’s available.
“It is my hope and my prayer that anybody watching today can breathe and exhale and know that they're not alone and there's help for themselves for the people they love, and to please reach out for it,” Montgomery-Moran said.
The family says they will continue to honor Greg Jr. through the foundation. Though dearly missed, the family hopes their story normalizes the fact it’s ok to not be ok.
“We just miss having him by our side," Montgomery, Sr. said. "We miss having his laughter and his sense of humor, his being was all-encompassing and we miss him terribly. He lives through the lives saved.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 9-8-8 to get connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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