Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t hold back when responding to fan backlash surrounding the team’s decision to bring in Drew Petzing as its next offensive coordinator.

After reports surfaced Monday that Detroit was finalizing the hire, a segment of the fanbase voiced strong disapproval online. St. Brown quickly stepped in to defend the organization and its leadership, making it clear he felt the criticism was misplaced.

Speaking on a recent episode of The St. Brown Podcast, the Pro Bowl receiver questioned why fans were so quick to doubt the move and whether they truly trusted head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions’ front office.

St. Brown pushed back on what he described as overreaction from fans, asking why people assumed the team would make such an important hire without doing proper research, interviews, and evaluations. He suggested many critics lack real football knowledge yet still rush to judge decisions they don’t fully understand.

While his tone was firm, St. Brown emphasized that his comments came from frustration rather than resentment. He reiterated his appreciation for Detroit’s fanbase, explaining that he simply wants supporters to reserve judgment and give Petzing an opportunity to prove himself on the field.

Ultimately, St. Brown acknowledged that opinions will change based on results. If the Lions’ offense performs well, the hire will speak for itself.

Petzing brings more than a decade of NFL experience to Detroit. His coaching career began in 2013 with the Cleveland Browns before a six-year stint in Minnesota, where he held several offensive roles. He later returned to Cleveland and eventually joined the Arizona Cardinals, spending the past three seasons there as offensive coordinator under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

During his time in Arizona, the Cardinals’ offense produced modest scoring totals, averaging just over 20 points per game across three seasons. Those numbers have fueled skepticism among Lions fans, though context matters—Arizona faced roster limitations and injuries during much of that stretch.

Now, Petzing steps into a far more talented offensive environment in Detroit. With better personnel and higher expectations, he’ll have the chance to reshape his reputation and show whether he’s the right fit to lead the Lions’ offense moving forward.