J.J. Watt and Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson have jumped to the defense of the Detroit Lions following their thrilling 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Lions played a physical, aggressive and ferocious game against the Packers.
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur engaged in a fiery row with a Lions fan before the game. The Ford Field faithful created a hostile atmosphere, and the players ensured the game was a chippy, ferocious battle. All of that has upset plenty of Green Bay fans.
However, Johnson backed the feistiness when discussing the incidents on Kay Adams’ Up and Adams Show:
“I loved it. This is Detroit. That fan channelled my man Brian Branch’s energy. Detroit is gritty; it is chippy, you know. People have talked down on Detroit for so long. But we will keep that chip on our shoulder, and I love it.”
If you are a Lions fan, it is impossible to disagree with Calvin Johnson. Before the game, the Packers players and fans had much to say, as they did for the first game at Lambeau Field.
The Lions hit back with their on-field play and their words. Dan Campbell’s 2024-25 Lions embody the spirit of Detroit. They are tough, hard-nosed, and relentless.
And that leads nicely to J.J. Watt’s defense of Kerby Joseph and Detroit’s ferocious tackling style.
Packers fans and players, Los Angeles Rams fans, and Minnesota Vikings fans have all branded the Detroit Lions as a ‘dirty’ team. The Lions are not a dirty team; they are a fierce team.
After a Packers writer posted a still photo of Joseph tackling Tucker Kraft, J.J. Watt clarified it for the ill-informed.
Besides keeping his head up (which he absolutely should do, to protect himself), how would you propose he tackle a TE running full speed at him?
Shoulder is directly in thigh board.
Football is a violent game.
Not every hit is malicious.(Also, don’t watch film of a cut block) https://t.co/83V9FUrRsm pic.twitter.com/tkaWDKneCf
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 6, 2024
The Lions are not doing anything wrong. They are exhibiting all the qualities required of a championship team. Look around the NFL, and you will see that the top teams play a physical, hard-hitting, relentless style.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles all play a ferocious, all-action game. When legends like J.J. Watt and Calvin Johnson come out and defend the Lions from the misinformed, it confirms that the Detroit Lions are on the right track.