Former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith has requested that the Minnesota Vikings release him. Despite reports that the Vikings are not interested in doing so, Smith made a post on Twitter thanking Vikings fans for supporting him this season.
I just want to say “Thank you!” to Skol Nation for an amazing season & experience! Thank you to all of my Teammates, Coaches & the entire Minnesota Vikings Organization! 💜 pic.twitter.com/LAVAy5jptS
— Za'Darius Smith (@zadariussmith) March 9, 2023
Packers fans, of course, remember the bad blood between Smith and the organization last year. First, Smith was not voted captain by his teammates. Then, he spent most of the 2021 season away from the team while he rehabbed an apparent back injury with his own medical team. When the Packers released him, he first agreed to return to the Baltimore Ravens, but backed out of that deal to sign with the Vikings. Now that a year has passed, he appears poised to move on from Minnesota after just one year.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Za’Darius Smith Wanting to Leave the Vikings
As one might imagine, Packers fans had a field day with the news that Smith had requested a trade:
Za'Darius Smith asking to be released:
An annual tradition https://t.co/xuSEIqGsmn
— Bruce Irons – Packers FTW (@BruceIronsNFL) March 9, 2023
“Za’Darius Smith asking to be released: An annual tradition”
Now Za’Darius Smith wants out of Minnesota?! The #Packers made the right decision not bringing him back. Younger isn’t always better, but it’s nice Green Bay went that route in this situation.
— Josh Knegendorf (@joshk70) March 10, 2023
“Now Za’Darius Smith wants out of Minnesota?! The #Packers made the right decision not bringing him back. Younger isn’t always better, but it’s nice Green Bay went that route in this situation.”
Is Za’Darius Smith the biggest “Drama Queen” in the league?
My Column: https://t.co/GxLefZoFrL
— Jacob (@NotionsOfJacob) March 9, 2023
“Is Za’Darius Smith the biggest “Drama Queen” in the league?”
Za’Darius Smith causing problems within his own organization? Noooooo… I never could have seen this coming
— Jack (@YelichWasRobbed) March 9, 2023
“Za’Darius Smith causing problems within his own organization? Noooooo… I never could have seen this coming”
Za'Darius Smith try not causing conflict within a team challenge https://t.co/ImYmyWpVAN
— sam 🏳️🌈 (@junkityy) March 9, 2023
“Za’Darius Smith try not causing conflict within a team challenge.”
Za’Darius Smith going to the Vikings for one year just to spite the Packers then lose in the first round and ask to be released is just too funny.
— Ian 😇 🧀 (@angelsfan270) March 9, 2023
“Za’Darius Smith going to the Vikings for one year just to spite the Packers then lose in the first round and ask to be released is just too funny.”
Za’Darius Smith don’t want that Packer smoke twice a year 😂
— Matt Hickey (@Hickey93) March 9, 2023
“Za’Darius Smith don’t want that Packer smoke twice a year”
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FAQs
Will the Green Bay Packers Make the 2023 NFL Playoffs?
According to sportsbooks, the Green Bay Packers are currently ninth overall (+3000) to win the 2024 Super Bowl. This is the highest among 2022 non-playoff teams, signaling they’ll be playoff-bound.
Who Do the Green Bay Packers Play in 2023?
Aside from their divisional opponents (Vikings, Lions, and Bears), whom they place twice, the Packers play the Saints, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Chargers, and Rams at home in 2023. They’ll travel on the road to face the Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Raiders, Giants, and Steelers.
Who Owns the Green Bay Packers?
The team is owned by Green Bay Packers, Inc., a publicly owned and traded non-profit. There are currently over 360,000 stockholders. Mark Murphy currently holds the role of Packers president and CEO, with plans to retire in 2025.
How Many Super Bowls Have the Packers Won?
The Packers have won four Super Bowls. These victories include Super Bowl 1 and Super Bowl 2 after the 1966 and 1967 seasons. Their next title came in Super Bowl 31, following the 1996 season. Their most recent championship was Super Bowl 45, crowning them the winners of the 201o season.
