Rumor: Toxic Lions Fans Bothered Josh Reynolds

Did fans take it too far online criticizing wide receiver Josh Reynolds?

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions' fanbase was certainly frustrated veteran wideout Josh Reynolds had his worst game of the 2023 NFL season in crucial moments in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers.

After being a reliable target all season, Reynolds had multiple drops that significantly impeded Detroit's ability to slow down the growing momentum of San Francisco coming out of halftime.

Reynolds certainly was the target of negativity online from a fanbase stinging from a heartbreaking loss. Detroit was 30 minutes away from appearing in the Super Bowl, but collapsed over the course of the final two quarters.

Reynolds recently signed a contract offer to join the Denver Broncos. Despite general manager Brad Holmes expressing the team still had interest in bringing the 29-year-old back, it did not ever appear to be the front office's top priority.

In a recent mailbag edition of the Detroit Lions podcast, writer Jeff Risdon discussed the Lions current situation at wideout and shared a revealing bit of information regarding Reynolds' potential mindset as free agency progressed.

After discussing Jameson Williams likely being the No. 2 wide receiver on the depth chart and Kalif Raymond, Donovan-Peoples-Jones competing for depth roles, Risdon shared what he has been hearing from Reynolds' camp.

"People in his camp were encouraging him to try to find a better place away from some of the toxicity of certain Detroit fans," said Risdon. "I know he took some of it to heart."

Given the direct access fans have to players online, it is fairly certain Reynolds was on the receiving end of harsh criticism from fans.

If Detroit's fanbase played any part in Reynolds' decision, it was likely best for both parties to part ways.

The ability for athletes to block out outside noise is paramount to their success. If Reynolds could not handle what was being said about him online, it does not get any easier by leaving to play for another team.

NFL fans are among the most passionate and critical group that follows professional sports.

If Reynolds drops passes in key games for Denver, Sean Payton is not going to be giving him high-fives on the sideline.

Just ask quarterback Russell Wilson.