Za’Darius Smith recently shared the full extent of his animosity toward the Green Bay Packers, which had been building even before he was traded to the Detroit Lions. Before the trade, he spoke about the possibility of facing the Packers and Minnesota Vikings multiple times a season. He specifically expressed how much he looked forward to playing against Green Bay twice a year if he joined Detroit.
Smith got his chance at revenge when he faced the Packers in Week 14 with the Lions. In that game, Smith had a sack, contributing to Detroit’s victory. After the game, he made pointed comments about his time with Green Bay, particularly how the Packers treated him after his injury. Smith claimed he had given his all to the team for two years, but after his back injury, the Packers acted as though he wasn’t valuable anymore.
In a post-game interview with Stacey Dales of NFL Network, Smith elaborated on his feelings, explaining that after his injury, the Packers sent him away as if he had no worth. He emphasized how much he appreciated the opportunity to play against his former team, noting that his move to the Vikings was his first chance at revenge, and his stint with the Lions allowed him to get revenge once more.
Smith’s comments made it clear that his grievances with the Packers were deeply personal. During his first two years in Green Bay, Smith accumulated 26 sacks, but his 2021 season was derailed by a back injury. After missing most of the season, the Packers released him in March 2022. He went on to sign with the Vikings, where he had a strong 2022 season with 10 sacks.
Tyler Dunne of Go Long recently visited Smith in Detroit and gave him a chance to explain more about his issues with Green Bay. Smith opened up about how the Packers handled his back injury, expressing his frustration with their actions. He claimed that the team misled him about the seriousness of his injury, which played a key role in his growing resentment.
According to Smith, the Packers’ medical staff failed to mention a bulge in his back, which was discovered when he sought treatment from Dr. Robert Watkins, a renowned orthopedic spine surgeon. Watkins confirmed that the bulge was causing nerve problems, which led to Smith undergoing surgery. Smith also revealed that the Packers fined him for each day he was absent during his recovery in California.
When Smith returned to Green Bay about a month after his surgery, the team pressured him to test his repaired back. He recalled being asked to run and squat, actions that he felt were reckless given his condition. Feeling rushed and unsupported, Smith left the team, which led to misunderstandings about his commitment. He noted that people didn’t know the full story, and he feared they wrongly perceived him as a team leader who had abandoned his teammates.
Smith’s revelation paints a picture of deep dissatisfaction with how the Packers treated him during his injury and recovery. His feelings of betrayal and anger have clearly shaped his attitude toward his former team. As the Lions prepare for the playoffs, Smith’s comments on his past with Green Bay show that his motivation goes beyond just a competitive spirit; it’s a personal vendetta that still lingers.
