Lions President Takes a Shot at Packers, Ends Up Making a Fool of Himself
It looks like we’re witnessing the inevitable fall of the Detroit Lions.
During a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Lions president Rod Wood couldn’t resist taking a jab at the Green Bay Packers while discussing the NFL Draft. His comments about bringing the event back to Detroit after hosting it last year were undercut by an ill-timed dig at the Packers. “Trying to get the NFL to consider bringing it back (to Detroit) because I don’t think they’ll ever top it,” Wood said, adding, “There’s no way Green Bay will come close. They’ll finish second or third like they did last year.”
The crowd reacted with applause and laughter, but honestly, it felt more like secondhand embarrassment.
This is the same team whose president, in a moment of bravado, threw shade at the Packers. Ironically, the Packers don’t hang divisional titles on their walls, unlike the Lions—who actually do. But when it comes to actual performance on the field, the Lions have repeatedly failed, while Green Bay remains poised to close the gap this season.
Lions President’s Focus on the Packers Could Lead to Their Own Downfall
While the Packers are concentrated on chasing championships, the Lions and other NFC North teams seem fixated on Green Bay. Ben Johnson, former Lions offensive coordinator and now head coach of the Bears, awkwardly called out Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during his introduction—yet another case of an NFC North rival obsessing over Green Bay.
Wood’s comments are especially laughable given how much the Lions have lost in recent months. Not only did they lose Johnson, the mastermind behind their dynamic offense, but they also saw wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett leave for new opportunities. To make matters worse, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who had done a stellar job despite numerous injuries, also departed, taking several assistant coaches with him.
Now, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is left to pick up the pieces and replicate last season’s impressive 15-2 record—a feat that, historically, is difficult to repeat. To make matters worse, that record ended in playoff humiliation, further questioning the sustainability of the Lions’ success.
While Green Bay will surely shine during draft weekend, with the most unique NFL Draft experience in history, it remains to be seen if this marks the beginning of their dominance. The Packers may very well reclaim the NFC North, leaving the Lions and their president to look on from the sidelines—another season of missed opportunities, all thanks to their own words.
Looks like the Packers are providing some excellent bulletin board material for Green Bay’s season.
