By Sunday 
A Celebration or a Cringeworthy Moment? NFL Fans Weigh In
Za’Darius Smith has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time for a piece of jewelry that has the NFL world buzzing. The Detroit Lions linebacker, who joined the team midway through the season, took to Instagram to show off a custom-made NFC North championship ring.
While winning a division title is no small feat, Smith’s decision to showcase a ring for it has left many fans scratching their heads. The internet wasted no time reacting, with some finding it hilarious and others calling it outright embarrassing.
A Custom-Made Ring for a Midseason Addition?
Smith, a former Green Bay Packer and Minnesota Viking, played just seven regular-season games with the Lions after joining the team in November. His impact was limited—logging only one sack in his final five games—but that didn’t stop him from celebrating Detroit’s first division title since 1993 in style.
His Instagram post featured an image of a flashy, diamond-encrusted ring with the Lions logo, his name, and number. The caption? “The ring before the ring.”
For many, it was an unusual move. NFL players don’t typically commemorate division titles with custom rings—those are usually reserved for conference or Super Bowl champions. The fact that Smith made (or received) such a ring despite spending just part of the season with Detroit only fueled the online backlash.
Social Media Reactions: Hilarious or Cringeworthy?
The internet had a field day with Smith’s post. One fan sarcastically tweeted, “Did the Bears get a ring for beating the Lions, too?” Another joked, “Super Bowl rings are overrated—real legends get NFC North championship rings.”
Others, however, defended Smith, pointing out that winning a division title is still an accomplishment worth celebrating. “Lions fans have waited 30 years for this moment—let them enjoy it,” one comment read.
Still, some found the entire situation reflective of the Lions’ postseason collapse. After finishing the regular season with a 15-2 record and securing the NFC’s top seed, Detroit was stunned in the playoffs by the Washington Commanders, losing 45-31 in the divisional round. The early exit made Smith’s celebratory post feel even more awkward.
A Trend or an Isolated Moment?
While Smith’s move is certainly unique, it does raise the question: will players start commemorating smaller milestones with custom rings? Division championships have always been important stepping stones, but they aren’t usually something players flaunt in this way.
For now, Smith’s post remains a memorable—if controversial—moment in the Lions’ season. Whether it was a lighthearted celebration or a cringe-inducing blunder, one thing is certain: the internet won’t forget it anytime soon.