The Detroit Lions are looking to contend for a Super Bowl appearance and they’ll be looking for their rookie class to play a big role in 2025. While the Lions have relied on homegrown talent to climb to the top of the NFC North division, they’ve also relied on a gritty culture inspired by head coach Dan Campbell.
That being said, it’s a mindset that will help Detroit be successful next season and some rookies already have it. One rookie in particular is already putting in the work to become a key contributor for the team and could be a new fan favorite based on some of his comments this week.
Lions Rookie Isaac TeSlaa Says He Hates the Packers With A Burning Passion
Lions rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa was a guest on the St. Brown Podcast on Wednesday and was asked about the NFC North Division. While Equanimeous St. Brown revealed that some rookies don’t know which teams are in their division, TeSlaa listed off the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings with ease before saving the Green Bay Packers for last.
“So you hate the Packers, probably?” St. Brown followed up.
“I hate the Packers with a passion,” TeSlaa said.
TeSlaa’s comments are usual for this time of the year as rookies mix in and Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown was grinning from ear to ear as his new teammate made his declaration. But it also could create big expectations for one of the most controversial picks in last month’s draft.
TeSlaa was considered to be a Day 3 prospect in last month’s draft after catching 62 passes for 896 yards and five touchdowns over two seasons at Arkansas. The 23-year-old killed the pre-draft process with a strong performance at the Hula Bowl, however, and it inspired Brad Holmes to trade up a full round to select TeSlaa with the 70th overall pick.
With a 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 9.97 relative athletic score, TeSlaa has massive potential coming into the league. He also could work his way into fan’s graces by simply being a Michigan native. But Lions fans will hope his hatred of the Packers will play into his favor when the Lions open the season at Lambeau Field on Sept. 7.