Za’Darius Smith fires massive shot at Packers following Gritty win with Detroit Lions

Za’Darius Smith’s journey from Pro Bowler in Green Bay to crucial member of the Detroit Lions has been one of redemption, particularly after leaving the Packers. Smith’s three-year stint with Green Bay, during which he was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons, was plagued by injuries and a painful exit. When Smith played his former team in the Detroit Lions’ 34-31 victory over the Packers on Thursday Night Football, he was open about how personal the game was to him.

Smith’s stint with the Packers appeared to be going well until he got injured. Smith’s season was cut short in 2021 due to a back ailment, and his relationship with the team deteriorated. Smith stated feeling devalued by the Packers following his injury, claiming that the club did not treat him with the respect he believed he deserved. His dissatisfaction with the Packers only deepened when he was released, and as fate would have it, Smith would eventually find himself facing his former team again in a Lions uniform.

Revenge on His Mind

Following the Lions’ victory over the Packers, NFL Network’s Stacey Dales spoke with Smith, who had definitely brought a sense of revenge to the game. Dales highlighted Smith’s hints about this being a revenge game, wondering how it felt to play the Packers after everything he had done for them.

A New Chapter in Detroit

Smith responded bluntly and emotionally. “Two years I gave it to them, and once I got hurt, they sent me down like I wasn’t nothing,” Smith recalls. “But I am pleased to be on the other side now. You are aware that I had the opportunity to exact my retribution upon the Vikings. And I returned to Detroit and exacted my revenge.” His statements made it plain that this game against the Packers was more than just another regular-season game; it was an opportunity for Smith to recapture his narrative and demonstrate that the Packers made a mistake by parting ways with him.

Za’Darius Smith’s return to significance with the Lions has been a redemption story, and his performance in this emotional game against his previous team further adds to it. As the Lions continue to dominate, Smith’s impact is apparent, particularly when it comes to playing with a chip on his shoulder.

While the Packers may have left him behind, Smith’s payback against Green Bay on Thursday night serves as a reminder that a change of location can rekindle a player’s passion—and in Smith’s case, it returned him to the top of his game. Whether the Packers realize it or not, they may have let go of a guy who was more important to their success than they anticipated. Smith’s payback with the Lions was a personal victory, and he’s far from done.