Detroit Lions' Success Sparks Rivalry with Packers at RNC

Jarrod Schroeder
July 17, 2024 07:03am
245

At the Republican National Convention, Rep. John James of Michigan proudly proclaimed the Detroit Lions as NFC North champions, eliciting a chorus of boos from the likely Green Bay Packers-leaning audience.

Rep. John James, a Republican from Michigan, took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday night and boldly proclaimed the Detroit Lions as NFC North champions, setting off a wave of boos from the crowd.

Despite the hostile reception, James wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to highlight his hometown team's impressive run in the previous season. The Lions, who had not won the division title in three decades, clinched the crown with a strong performance, including two playoff victories – the first time the team had won multiple playoff games in a single postseason since 1957.

Detroit Lions' Success Sparks Rivalry with Packers at RNC

James's praise of the Lions drew a sharp reaction from the predominantly Republican audience, many of whom are likely Green Bay Packers fans. The Packers and Lions are fierce rivals within the NFC North division.

The Lions' success last season, marked by a 12-5 record and a best winning percentage since 1991, raised expectations for the upcoming season. However, the Packers, under the leadership of young quarterback Jordan Love, defied expectations and finished second in the NFC North, even securing a dominant victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Detroit Lions' Success Sparks Rivalry with Packers at RNC

Despite the Packers' surprising performance, their playoff journey ended abruptly in the divisional round with a narrow loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers and Lions are set to face off in Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season in Green Bay, promising a heated rivalry fueled by the Lions' recent success and the Packers' determination to regain division supremacy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.