The Green Bay Packers have had fierce rivalries with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears for well over 30 years. Up until 2023, they were the only teams in the NFC North that had won a division title. Of course, the Lions won the first NFC North/Central championship since 1993 this past season. Somewhat ironically, 1993 was the first full year the Packers had with Brett Favre as the starting quarterback.
Packers fans are well familiar with the history of the division since then. With Hall of Fame, future Hall of Fame, and now excellent quarterback play from Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love, Green Bay has (for the most part) dominated the division. Since 1993, Green Bay has won the division 14 times, Minnesota eight times, Chicago five times, and Detroit twice (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC Central once, in 1999).
Former Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Dominated the Detroit Lions
Rodgers became the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2008 and ran Green Bay’s offense for the better part of 15 years. From 2008 to 2022, he faced the Lions 26 times and had a record of 18-8 against them.
In those games, Rodgers had a passer rating of 105.1, threw for 6,551 yards, 54 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions.
While Rodgers had plenty of signature moments against the Lions during his career (who could forget the famous Rodgers to Rodgers Hail Mary?), Detroit got the better of their long-time tormenter during his last season in Green Bay.
In 2022, Rodgers and the Packers lost both of their games against the Lions, including their Week 18 matchup which cost the team a spot in the NFL Playoffs. Had Green Bay won the game, they would have clinched the final NFC Wild Card spot.
In their first game of the 2022 season, Rodgers completed just 23 of 43 passes for 291 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. In their last matchup, which was held at Lambeau Field, Rodgers went out like his predecessor, throwing an interception at home to end Green Bay’s season. He finished the game 17 of 27 for 205 yards, a touchdown, and the aforementioned interception.
The Detroit Tigers Trolled Aaron Rodgers During Their 10-2 Win Over the Milwaukee Brewers
A few months after his final loss to the Lions, Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets. Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles just four snaps into Week One of their regular season and was lost for the year. He didn’t even get to complete a pass for his new team.
Meanwhile, the Lions had their best season in decades. One of their highlights of the year was when their special teams ace, Jalen Reeves-Maybin completed a pass for a first down on a fake punt.
During the Milwaukee Brewers’ 10-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, the scoreboard shared this little bit of trivia to poke fun at their old rival:
Ruthless video board game at Comerica Park pic.twitter.com/WrTbmFsjdf
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) June 9, 2024
While it is an interesting bit of trivia, it is also amusing to see how badly Rodgers affected the Detroit fanbase during his decade-and-a-half as a starter in Green Bay.
Maybe they should show Super Bowl trophies next.
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