Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Suspicious replay has Packers fans believing game was rigged

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 11/12/23

A curious first-half call that went against the Green Bay Packers has their fan base believing their Week 10 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was rigged. The Steelers pulled out a 23-19 win at home to improve to 6-3 on the season.

In the second quarter, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett lobbed the ball to running back Jaylen Warren, who promptly dropped it. Officials blew the play dead – the field was an incomplete pass – but Packers defender Rashan Gary scooped up the ball and dove into the end zone.

PASS or LATERAL? pic.twitter.com/0j5e4mGMH4

— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) November 12, 2023

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur challenged the ruling, thinking it was a backward lateral and thus a fumble, but the officials decided there was enough evidence to overturn the call on the field. The points the Packers lost from that decision were enough to keep them from winning the game.

Green Bay Packers fans call the game rigged

A replay of the controversial play appeared on X. Packers fans who saw the replay seemed to think the official’s call was ultimately rigged in favor of the Steelers. Here are the best takes on Packers fans calling the game rigged.

I’m a Steelers fan but the Packers got robbed on that one. That was clearly a lateral pass and fumble.

Every week I’m come more and more closer to the realization that maybe the NFL is rigged.

— Quetopulus (@quincylsb) November 12, 2023

Clearly a lateral. That changes the entire rest of the game.

— PDH (@bigophobacistzi) November 12, 2023

it's 100% rigged.. along with all other major sports and Olympics

— Bob Franklin (@BobFran93191935) November 12, 2023

We should’ve won lol they took away lateral touchdown

— realMoneyMax (@korotkiy_max) November 12, 2023

Week by week I think the NFL is rigged cause how was that not a backwards lateral by the Steelers on that fumble

— Joan Curi (@JoanCuri) November 12, 2023

Anyone that doesn't think the #NFL is rigged and that the refs purposely make bad calls should watch the backwards lateral in the Steelers-Packers game. Literally stole 7 points from Green Bay (and this was reviewed!). #rigged #NFLrigged

— James Lewison (@squand4) November 12, 2023

Rigged. Obvious call. Ridiculous

— Isaac (@ID_photo_graphy) November 12, 2023

It’s bad!! So rigged! My Packers defense has been burned twice today due to officiating. Hope the ref spends his winnings wisely

— KingofWakanda21 NicC (@CarlssonNic) November 12, 2023