Za’Darius Smith’s Latest Move as a Lion Raises Eyebrows
Former Green Bay Packers standout Za’Darius Smith has had an eventful journey through the NFC North. After joining the Packers in 2019, he moved to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 after a messy contract dispute. A year later, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, but continued to express a desire to return to the division to settle scores with his former teams. His wish came true when the Detroit Lions traded for him in November, and he made waves with an awkward comment after a win against the Packers last December. However, Smith recently found a way to outdo himself with another embarrassing moment, even after the Lions’ season ended.
Smith Shared His NFC North Championship Ring on Instagram
On Monday, Smith took to social media to show off his new NFC North championship ring. While this kind of post is typical for players at the end of a season, the context of this particular post made it cringeworthy. Not only was the photo taken in Cancun, where the Lions’ playoff hopes were dashed after a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders, but it also symbolized how Detroit’s season ended with a top NFC seed and a stunning early playoff exit.
Additionally, Smith had only been with the Lions for a portion of the season, joining the team midway through the year after an injury sidelined Aidan Hutchinson. To post such a boastful display of team pride after a brief stint was seen by many as a misguided attempt to gain favor with the Lions for a possible return in 2025. The caption “The ring before the ring” seemed like an attempt to capitalize on his newfound position in Detroit, despite his short tenure.
While his contract may limit his future with the Lions, it would be poetic if Smith’s tenure in the NFC North ended the same way it started—with a brief, dramatic stint in Chicago. Regardless of what happens next, he’ll always have the division title ring from his brief time in Detroit to remind him of his short but memorable run.
