No surprise that Green Bay Packer fans were not happy to see T.J. Lang wearing Honolulu blue and silver. After all, they’re not used to losing free agents to Detroit.
Even though it’s been months since Lang signed with the Lions as a free agent, the wounds of Packer fans remain raw. After all he was an offensive line fixture for the past eight seasons in Green Bay.
Lang, who will start at right guard for Detroit, had not practiced with the Lions until Sunday because he was coming off hip surgery. He took all the reps at right guard although he said it’s a possibility he may take it easy occasionally in training camp.
More bad news for Packers’ fans — Lang feels great.
He took the podium after the first day of training camp with his son, J.J. to answer questions from the media. Like most offensive linemen he’d rather play the game than talk about it. But he was cordial and had support from J.J. who was more fascinated with his wristband than the Detroit media contingent.
It was my best photo of the day, so I Tweeted it out. Packer backers weren’t quite as enthralled as Lions’ fans.
One little photo caused an avalanche of response on Twitter:
— @Empeypp: His son is adorable, which is why I feel so bad he was to watch his dad play on a 6-10 team.
— @Confuzled: Poor little kid
— @SuperCral: If he’s got another son named Derek, I’m calling shenanigans.
— @Wiscoinferno: That jersey looks no bueno on TJ tbh
— @PackerFans_: Lang breaking the news to Lions fans that he won’t be able to get them into the playoffs on his own.
— @AlecYanke: This is just wrong
— @BrewCrewCritic: Unfortunately, this will probably be a theme for the entire season. Posted with an old meme from ‘The Lion King’ with the words: “Dad, What’s a Super Bowl? I don’t know son, we’re Lions.”
— @Cletoreyes915: This image makes me sick. Then again I think I had to much hot sauce this morning.
And a few fine Packers’ fans — definitely a minority — hold no ill will.
— Taina Dejesus: I wish him the best I love tj
— Mattthommesen: Will miss you T.J. Lang please don’t hate packer nation. We loved you.
Lang grew up in the Detroit area and always dreamed of playing for the Lions.
“I think every kid dreams of playing for their hometown team, now it’s a reality for me,’’ Lang said. “At the end of the day that washes away pretty quick, get your mind back on football.’’
Only 98 days until the NFC North rivalry continues. On Nov. 6, a Monday night game at Green Bay, the division rivals will meet for the first time this season.
Lions Lowdown 