Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa didn’t mince words when addressing one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries during a recent appearance on the St. Brown Brothers Podcast.
The Michigan native, drafted 70th overall by the Lions in April, declared, “I hate the Packers with a burning passion,” instantly endearing himself to Detroit’s fanbase while stoking the flames of the Lions-Packers feud.
TeSlaa, a hometown standout who grew up cheering for the Lions, understands the weight of the rivalry. His candid remarks come amid escalating tensions between the NFC North foes, with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently acknowledging Detroit as “the class of the NFC” during an interview on Kay Adams’ Up and Adams Show.
A Rivalry Rekindled
The Lions-Packers dynamic has intensified in recent years, with Detroit’s resurgence under head coach Dan Campbell shifting the balance of power.
Green Bay, meanwhile, faces mounting scrutiny—from the NFL’s proposed “tush push” ban (allegedly spearheaded by the Packers) to playful jabs from new Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson. But for LaFleur, a Michigan native himself, the clash with Detroit now overshadows even the historic Packers-Bears rivalry.
“Right now, [the Lions] are the team to beat,” LaFleur admitted, setting the stage for a high-stakes Week 1 showdown when Green Bay hosts Detroit to kick off the 2025 season.
TeSlaa’s Path to the Pride
The 6’4”, 225-pound receiver arrives in Detroit after a standout career at Arkansas, where he tallied 545 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. His blend of size and speed—evident during a strong NFL Combine performance—caught the Lions’ attention, but it’s his passion for the franchise that resonated most.
“Growing up here, you live and breathe this rivalry,” TeSlaa said. “Wearing the Honolulu blue means embracing that fight.”
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to September’s season opener at Lambeau Field, where TeSlaa could make his NFL debut in the rivalry’s latest chapter. For Lions fans, the rookie’s fiery stance is a rallying cry. For the Packers, it’s a reminder that Detroit’s roar is louder than ever.
