As the 2025 NFL Draft barrels toward the heart of Wisconsin, the anticipation is high, the buzz is loud, and the jokes are flying — especially from Detroit.
Lions President Rod Wood took center stage in the growing chatter about this year’s unique draft location: the quaint, historic city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. In a tongue-in-cheek moment during a recent press conference, Wood couldn’t help but take a jab at his division rival, poking fun at the small-town nature of the Packers’ home.
“It’s going to be interesting seeing how they fit 300,000 people in a city with one streetlight,” Wood said with a grin. “I guess we’ll all be crashing on Aaron Rodgers’ old couches.”
The comment, made in jest, quickly made the rounds across NFL circles and social media platforms, igniting both laughter and a few eyerolls — especially among the green and gold faithful. But beneath the sarcasm was a more serious backdrop: the NFL Draft, one of the league’s crown jewels, is about to unfold in one of the league’s smallest markets.
Green Bay’s Big Draft Moment
For a city of just over 100,000 residents, Green Bay hosting the NFL Draft is a monumental occasion. Known affectionately as “Titletown,” the city is synonymous with tradition, frozen tundra, and a fiercely loyal fan base. But big events? Not exactly the town’s calling card — until now.
The draft is expected to draw between 250,000 to 300,000 fans, media members, and team officials. With that kind of volume, hotels in a 50-mile radius are already booked solid, and local residents are reportedly listing homes on Airbnb at Super Bowl–level prices.
Lambeau Field, the iconic home of the Packers, will serve as the centerpiece of the draft festivities. Adjacent areas such as Titletown Park, the Packers Hall of Fame, and even local high schools have been enlisted to accommodate various events, stages, and fan activations.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly praised Green Bay for its vision and enthusiasm.
“This is a city where football runs through every vein,” Goodell said. “There’s no better way to celebrate the game’s future than in a place where its history lives on every block.”
Rod Wood: No Stranger to Sarcasm
Rod Wood’s latest barb isn’t his first. As one of the most visible executives in the NFC North, Wood has often used wit and dry humor to underscore the long-standing rivalry between Detroit and Green Bay. He’s poked fun at the Packers’ “stockholder” ownership structure, their old-school stadium feel, and even their cheesehead hats.
But this time, Wood’s comments carried an edge of competitive spirit that reflects Detroit’s recent surge in relevance. The Lions, after decades of mediocrity, are finally on the upswing — a 2024 playoff run and a young core of stars has brought renewed optimism to the Motor City.
“We’ve got a new stadium, a new culture, and new expectations,” Wood said. “And while Green Bay is stuck in the 1960s, we’re building toward the 2030s.”
Those comments may sting, but they resonate with a fanbase tired of playing second fiddle to their northern neighbors. The Lions have long lived in the Packers’ shadow — both on the field and off it. Now, with Detroit’s cultural and economic revitalization in full swing, Wood is channeling that energy into playful but pointed commentary.
Packers’ Response: Classic Cool
Unsurprisingly, the Packers took the high road — with a smirk.
Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy addressed the media the day after Wood’s comments and responded with the poise of a seasoned executive.
“Rod’s always had a good sense of humor,” Murphy said. “We’re happy he’ll get a chance to visit a real football town. We’ll save him a brat and some cheese curds.”
Murphy also highlighted the exhaustive efforts made to prepare Green Bay for the event.
“We’ve invested in infrastructure, hospitality, and technology,” Murphy said. “This isn’t just a draft. It’s an opportunity to showcase a community that breathes football like no other.”
Indeed, local officials have poured millions into beautifying downtown areas, upgrading Lambeau Field’s tech infrastructure, and developing pedestrian-friendly zones around the stadium. It’s a full-scale transformation that’s already won praise from NFL insiders and travel officials.
Clash of Cultures: Big City vs. Small Town
Wood’s comments also reflect a broader cultural dynamic between Detroit and Green Bay — a clash of ethos between a big city rebuilding its image and a small town rooted in nostalgia.
Detroit, long synonymous with auto industry grit and musical innovation, is undergoing a renaissance. New sports arenas, tech startups, and a booming food scene have brought new energy to the city. The Lions, long a punchline, are now a team on the rise.
Green Bay, on the other hand, leans into its old-school charm. With family-owned restaurants, hand-painted murals of Vince Lombardi, and fans who can recite team history like scripture, it’s a town that doesn’t apologize for its identity.
“This isn’t a city trying to be L.A. or Vegas,” said local business owner Tammy Jorgensen. “We’re Titletown. We don’t need flash. We’ve got football.”
That sentiment, while earnest, also highlights the risk the NFL is taking by bringing such a major event to a non-metropolitan hub. But if the league has proven anything in recent years, it’s that it loves spectacle — whether it’s in the glitz of Las Vegas or the snowbanks of Green Bay.
Draft Prospects Weigh In
Several top draft prospects have already weighed in on the location — and reactions are mixed.
Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers, a likely top-five pick, said he’s “excited to experience something different.”
“I’ve done the Vegas thing,” Ewers said. “Now I get to do the Lambeau thing. It’s cool.”
On the flip side, LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers chuckled when asked about accommodations.
“I heard the closest Chick-fil-A is like an hour away,” he joked. “I’ll survive, I guess.”
Players will be hosted at private resorts and high-end lodges throughout northern Wisconsin, many of which have upgraded amenities specifically for the event. NFL officials have coordinated transportation plans involving shuttles, private jets, and even yacht access from nearby Lake Michigan towns.
Rivalry Reignited
Rod Wood’s comments, while playful, have inadvertently added fuel to an already simmering rivalry. The Lions-Packers feud has defined the NFC North for generations, but the last few seasons have given it fresh urgency.
Detroit’s newfound swagger — embodied by Dan Campbell’s fiery leadership and Wood’s confident vision — has made them a genuine contender. Green Bay, led by quarterback Jordan Love, is now in a transitional phase, still dangerous but vulnerable.
The 2025 NFL Draft could serve as a symbolic battleground in that war. With the eyes of the football world on Green Bay, every misstep will be scrutinized — and every success celebrated.
“If they pull this off, credit to them,” Wood admitted later. “But if the Wi-Fi goes down or the cows get loose, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
What It All Means for the NFL
At the heart of all this banter is the NFL’s evolving identity. The league has embraced global expansion, international games, and multimillion-dollar media deals. Yet it’s also willing to honor tradition — even if that means hosting one of its biggest events in a town better known for snowmobiles than skyscrapers.
Rod Wood’s jabs remind us that rivalries still matter. That football, even at its most corporate level, thrives on emotion, competition, and a little bit of trash talk.
“Rod’s just getting into the spirit,” said one anonymous NFC executive. “Green Bay will handle it just fine. But don’t be surprised if a few Lions jerseys go mysteriously missing during the week.”
The draft, after all, isn’t just about new players. It’s about old grudges, future battles, and the unique culture of football — whether it’s played under a dome in Detroit or beneath the lights of Lambeau.
As fans prepare to descend upon Green Bay with cheeseheads, mock draft boards, and winter jackets, the NFL world braces for a week of drama, decisions, and yes — more jokes.
Rod Wood may have started the banter, but Green Bay’s ready to answer.
And if nothing else, this year’s NFL Draft already has a storyline as juicy as any trade rumor: Can a small town host a giant event — and shut up a loud rival in the process?