As Green Bay gears up to host the 2025 NFL Draft, the long-standing rivalry between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers has been reignited — this time off the field. Detroit Lions President Rod Wood made headlines recently after delivering a playful dig at the Packers while speaking at a Detroit Economic Club event.
Wood’s comment came as he reflected on the record-breaking success of the 2024 NFL Draft, which was hosted in Detroit. The Motor City drew a massive crowd of 775,000 fans during the event and generated over $213 million in economic impact for the city. In contrast, Green Bay is preparing for an expected attendance of around 250,000, with projected economic benefits estimated at $94 million for the entire state of Wisconsin.
“There’s no way Green Bay will come close. They’ll finish second — or third, like they did last year,” Wood joked, taking a light-hearted swipe at both the Packers’ anticipated draft performance and their NFC North standings from the previous season. The Packers had, indeed, finished behind the Lions in the 2024 season standings, a sign of the shifting balance of power in the NFC North.
Wood’s remarks are the latest in a series of playful shots exchanged between the two franchises. The Lions and Packers have been fierce division rivals for decades, but in recent years, Detroit has gained the upper hand. The Lions have not only surged in competitiveness on the field but also outshone the Packers in several off-the-field events — most notably the NFL Draft.
In 2024, during the draft in Detroit, the Lions pulled off a savvy move that added fuel to the rivalry. Detroit traded up to the 24th overall pick to secure standout cornerback Terrion Arnold — a player that Green Bay was reportedly eyeing. This strategic draft-day move not only strengthened Detroit’s secondary but also disrupted the Packers’ draft plans, frustrating Green Bay’s front office and fans alike.
This maneuver underscored Detroit’s aggressive and forward-thinking approach to roster building, which has paid dividends under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. The Lions have become one of the most exciting young teams in the league and are now viewed as legitimate contenders in the NFC.
Meanwhile, Green Bay enters the 2025 draft with a solid but less spectacular outlook. While the Packers still enjoy a devoted fan base and historic legacy, their recent performances on the field and in strategic situations like the draft have raised questions about whether they can keep pace with Detroit’s rising momentum.
The 2025 NFL Draft presents Green Bay with a chance to reclaim some ground — both in terms of football and fanfare. While the city lacks the size and infrastructure of a major metropolitan host like Detroit, the Packers are banking on the unique charm and heritage of Lambeau Field and the surrounding area to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and prospects alike.
However, Wood’s remarks set the tone for a friendly yet fierce competition between the two franchises during the draft weekend. It’s clear that the Lions view their recent success as a turning point in the rivalry, and they’re not afraid to poke a little fun along the way.
As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Packers respond — both in terms of attendance and their selections on the board. One thing is certain: the rivalry between Detroit and Green Bay is alive and well, and it’s extending far beyond the football field into the business and branding battles of the modern.
