Nov. 27, 2025 — Detroit, Michigan
At Ford Field, Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur delivered plays and decisions as sharply as he delivered smiles. During the Packers’ 31–24 Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions, LaFleur was seen dialing up calls on the sideline — including one that has sparked plenty of debate since.

Green Bay converted all three of its fourth-down attempts during the divisional matchup, each one leading directly to a major scoring moment. Two turned into touchdowns for Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs, and the final one allowed the Packers to run out the clock on a game-clinching completion to Wicks. But one particular play has drawn extra attention in the days following the win.

Asked about the officiating sequence that caused the controversy, LaFleur offered a sly grin. According to NFL reporter Ari Meirov, the coach responded, “Of course they got it right. Yeah, I was calling timeout.”

The moment he referenced came on a fourth-and-1 from Detroit’s two-yard line. The Packers appeared to jump early, yet officials did not stop the play despite LaFleur signaling for a timeout. Because no penalty was enforced, Green Bay kept its advantageous spot on the field and scored immediately afterward when Jordan Love fired a touchdown strike to Doubs, stretching the lead to 17–7 with just over two minutes left before halftime.

Even without the officiating break, the Packers were in position to at least come away with points. But the sequence undeniably shifted the momentum, and LaFleur embraced the good fortune with a playful tone after the game.

A Thanksgiving to Remember for the Packers

LaFleur’s reaction matched the celebratory mood of the moment. FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi reported during the broadcast that the head coach had attempted to call timeout prior to the false start, and LaFleur later hinted that the officials made a decision that worked heavily in Green Bay’s favor.

Given the playoff implications and the tight NFC North race, some observers argued that such an officiating lapse can’t happen. Yet it’s equally clear that the Packers capitalized on the situation and earned a valuable victory on the road.

Jordan Love turned in a sharp performance, finishing with four touchdown passes while completing 18 of 30 attempts for 234 yards. Josh Jacobs ran for 83 yards at an efficient clip, and Wicks delivered a breakout game with six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Micah Parsons dominated again, logging 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss on a historic afternoon.

Even with the controversial moment, Green Bay executed at a high level, stayed aggressive, and kept Detroit off balance throughout the matchup.

Now, LaFleur and the Packers will enjoy the holiday win briefly before shifting their attention to the next challenge on their schedule.