Packers' GM Takes Shot at Lions

Brian Gutekunst threw shade at Lions hanging NFC North banner.

The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have established a long-running rivalry in the NFC. 

Currently division rivals in the NFC North, the two teams have had plenty of intense battles on the football field.  In recent years, however, the rivalry has belonged to the Lions. 

Since Dan Campbell took over as head coach, the Lions are 4-2 against the Packers in six meetings. The two teams split their meetings in 2023, with both teams winning on the road. Both reached the postseason and won at least one playoff game. 

Green Bay bowed out in the Divisional Round, while the Lions lost in the NFC Championship game. 

With the Lions claiming the Division title in 2023 for the first time in 30 years, they will be the team to beat next year. 

However, general manager Brian Gutekunst made a quip during his media availability at the NFL Combine directed at Lions' decision to hang a banner commemorating the team's Division title in 2023. 

"Around here, we've never hung banners for division championships, so it's never been about that," Gutekunst said, via The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. "It's a nice starting point, but I think we're always looking for better things."

Brian Gutekunst was asked today about chasing the Lions: "Around here, we’ve never hung banners for division championships, so it’s never been about that. It’s a nice starting point, but I think we’re always looking for bigger things."

I don't think he was taking a shot, but... https://t.co/4wgCPmOKXI

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) February 27, 2024

The Packers are coming off a dominant stretch in the NFC North. From 2002-2021, Green Bay had won 12 of the 20 division championships. However, the Lions have staked their claim at making the division theirs in the future. 

Both teams have optimistic futures as evidenced by the wealth of young talent on each roster and their performances this season.