By Sunday 
Lions Defender Draws Criticism for Championship Ring Post
Za’Darius Smith’s time with the Detroit Lions has been anything but conventional, and his latest move has left fans and analysts shaking their heads. After a turbulent journey through the NFC North, the veteran pass rusher has found himself at the center of controversy once again—this time for a social media post celebrating an achievement that many see as premature.
A Rocky NFC North Journey
Smith’s path through the NFC North has been filled with drama. The former Green Bay Packers star left after a contract dispute in 2022, landing with the Minnesota Vikings for a single season before being traded to the Cleveland Browns. However, he repeatedly expressed a desire to return to the division, seeking redemption against his former teams. That wish was granted when he was traded to the Lions in November.
Despite spending only half the season in Detroit, Smith made waves when he publicly criticized the Packers after the Lions defeated them last December. Yet, his most recent act might be his most embarrassing moment yet.
Smith Shows Off Division Championship Ring
On Monday, Smith took to Instagram to post a picture of his NFC North championship ring, an act that quickly drew mockery from fans and pundits alike. While it’s common for players to share their accomplishments, the context of Smith’s post made it particularly cringeworthy.
The Lions, despite a dominant 15-2 regular season, were unceremoniously eliminated in their first playoff game, a crushing 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders. Adding to the awkwardness, Smith’s post appeared to be taken from a tropical vacation—an ironic setting given Detroit’s early playoff exit.
A Misguided Celebration?
What makes the post even more puzzling is Smith’s limited tenure with the team. Having joined midseason after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, he was far from a foundational piece of the Lions’ success. Yet, his caption—“The ring before the ring”—suggested he saw the division title as a major milestone, despite the team’s failure to advance in the playoffs.
Some speculate that Smith’s post was an attempt to convince the Lions to keep him around for the 2025 season, as his contract situation remains uncertain. However, considering how his previous stints in Green Bay and Minnesota ended, Detroit may be wary of committing to him long-term.
What’s Next for Smith?
With free agency looming, Smith’s future with the Lions is up in the air. His Instagram post may have been intended as a lighthearted flex, but it instead served as a reminder of Detroit’s postseason disappointment. Whether he stays in Detroit or moves on to yet another NFC North rival, one thing is clear—Za’Darius Smith has a knack for making headlines, for better or worse.