
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith was on the receiving end of a fair bit of mockery after posting an image of what appears to be an NFC North championship ring after his team spectacularly flamed out of the playoffs.
As we all knew deep down in our hearts the Lions were destined to do, if we’re being honest with ourselves.
Smith, who joined the team midway through the season, posted the image from what some suspect was a vacation resort.
Why is he there and not at a team practice? Because the Lions, who were favored to go deep into the playoffs after a dominant season, lost their divisional round game to the Washington Commanders, 45-31.
Making matters worse is the caption he decided to add to his Instagram Story, which is currently still posted.
“The ring before the ring!” he wrote.
this actually can’t be real pic.twitter.com/Y3Nuzymxp4
— mason 🧀 (@DotByLove) January 27, 2025
At Least Za’Darius Smith Got Some Kind Of Ring
Listen, celebrating your divisional championship is nice. And it’s certainly understandable for a franchise that has been down as long as the Detroit Lions.
But Za’Darius Smith, my man, you were favorites to get to the Super Bowl, if not win it outright. You had a chance to get that other ring. And y’all blew it.
Fans hammered Smith over his post.
“Posting this in Cancun is diabolical,” one person wrote.
“Za’Darius Smith is the corniest individual ever…” another chimed in.
“No shot they’re getting participation rings LMAOOOOOO,” a fan’s post reads.
Smith got one, at least. A participation ring. However, it remains unclear if this is an actual Lions NFC North championship ring or if he just made one until he gets some real Super Bowl bling.
RELATED: Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell Would Like To Have An ACTUAL Lion On The Sidelines
Will He Be A Lion Next Season?
Rumor has it that when Za’Darius Smith played for the Green Bay Packers, he did something similar to this ring stunt. He made himself a blinged-out captain’s chain even though he wasn’t named team captain.
In Green Bay, Za’Darius Smith custom-made his own captain chain after not being voted a captain
— Hogg (@HoggNFL) January 27, 2025
Now in Detroit, he has a custom… ring ..? pic.twitter.com/Asq86FWuza
Smith, who was traded to the Lions midseason from the Cleveland Browns, has publicly stated his desire to stay with the Lions for the 2025 season. He wants to be part of Detroit’s championship journey. And maybe get a real ring.
“Motor City, 2024 didn’t go as planned at all; we fell short of the outcome we had planned for! 2025 gives us another opportunity to adjust and go for that championship!” he relayed on Instagram.
“I enjoyed every moment with my boys, and even though some faces have changed for the new season, I hope to be a part of this great organization for the future!”
Reports indicate it seems likely Smith will be back with the Lions, but his contract will need some adjustments if that is to be the case.
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