The New York Giants suffered a frustrating 34–27 defeat in overtime against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in their Week 12 matchup.

Late in the game, with New York clinging to a 3-point advantage and only about three minutes remaining, interim head coach Mike Kafka made a decision that turned heads — including that of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Instead of attempting a field goal that could have stretched their lead to six, quarterback Jameis Winston went for a touchdown pass and sailed the ball over tight end Theo Johnson. The misfire opened the door for Detroit, who marched down the field, hit a field goal, and forced overtime.

After the loss, Trump questioned Kafka’s decision on Twitter, calling the choice not to take the three points “CRAZY” and wondering aloud why anyone would pass up the field goal opportunity.

Fan reactions were mixed and wide-ranging:

Trump wrote, “I caught the end of the game and thought, when they went for the touchdown instead of the three, ‘That’s strange!’ Same thing during the Dallas game yesterday. They won, but it still felt odd… my mind even went to the idea of a rigged game. I can’t believe I even thought that.”

One fan chimed in with a similar sentiment, saying, “Because pro sports are rigged. Everyone knows that.”

Others focused more on Trump, with one person commenting, “The weird part is the president tweeting play-by-play about a football game.”

Another pointed out oddities in other games, writing, “Look at the Ole Miss–Kentucky finish. The Vegas line only moved with the field goal, not a touchdown. Even the announcers were confused. Strange.”

Some fans pushed back against the conspiracy talk: “What a bunch of ridiculous conspiracists. The Giants, who have nothing to lose, tried to put the game away with a touchdown. Even with a field goal, they still could’ve lost. They played to win. Stop complaining.”

Still, others couldn’t ignore the optics: “It almost looked like it was tilted for sports betting.”

Mike Kafka Opens Up About Firing Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen

Kafka joined the Giants’ staff in 2024, coming from a three-year stint as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator.

Just days after head coach Brian Daboll was dismissed, Kafka — serving as the interim head coach — made a shocking move by relieving Bowen of his duties. The decision surprised many, especially since Kafka had previously voiced confidence in Bowen despite the unit’s ongoing struggles.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kafka explained that he didn’t want to rush into drastic changes as soon as he took over. He said he needed time to assess the situation before making the call, and ultimately believed that now was the right moment.

“I wanted to be deliberate in how I approached it, and today felt like the appropriate time,” Kafka said.

Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen has been named the interim defensive coordinator moving forward.

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