Za’Darius Smith’s journey through the NFC North has been anything but smooth.
He began his career in Green Bay before the 2019 season, then moved to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 after a bitter contract dispute.
After just one year with the Vikings, Smith was traded to the Cleveland Browns and spent last season pushing for a return to the division to get revenge on his former teams.
His wish was granted when he was traded to the Detroit Lions in November, and he had an embarrassing moment when he criticized the Packers following a win in December.
But somehow, Smith managed to outdo himself with an even more cringe-worthy moment after the Lions’ season ended. On Monday, he shared a photo of his NFC North championship ring on social media.
While it’s typical for players to show off their new jewelry after the season ends, the 32-year-old’s Instagram post took it to another level, as it showcased a ring from a division title that ultimately meant little.
The photo was taken on the beaches of Cancun, the same place the Lions found themselves after a 45-31 playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite earning a 15-2 record and the top NFC seed, Detroit couldn’t go further in the playoffs.
To add to the absurdity, Smith only spent half the season with Detroit, joining the team when Aidan Hutchinson was injured in October.
For him to act like a long-time Lion after just two months with the team is laughable and seems like another attempt to convince the Lions to bring him back in 2025—especially with the caption, “The ring before the ring.”
Although Smith’s contract may make that unlikely, it would be a fitting way for his time in the division to wrap up.
Smith’s journey could potentially end in Chicago, but even if it does, he’ll always have that NFC North title ring from his brief stint in Detroit.
Right now, only four teams remain active in the postseason. On Sunday, the AFC and NFC Championship Games will take place.
Meanwhile, the other 28 teams are focusing on the 2025 offseason. With the postseason nearing its end, the finalists for the AP Defensive Player of the Year were revealed, which included Philadelphia’s LB Zack Baun, Cleveland’s DE Myles Garrett, Cincinnati’s DE Trey Hendrickson, Denver’s CB Pat Surtain II, and Pittsburgh’s LB T.J. Watt.
