Rex Ryan Calls Out Officiating After Controversial Lions-Steelers Finish
Rex Ryan isn’t one to tiptoe around officiating controversies, and he certainly didn’t hold back after the Detroit Lions’ dramatic Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Monday morning’s episode of Get Up, Ryan dove headfirst into the late-game penalties that helped shape the outcome - and potentially the Lions' postseason hopes.
Let’s set the scene: The Lions were driving in the final moments, looking for a game-winning score. Jared Goff was orchestrating a comeback, and Detroit appeared to have the momentum.
Then came the flags - two offensive pass interference (OPI) calls, one on rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa and another on Amon-Ra St. Brown.
One of them, Ryan conceded, was probably justified. The other?
In his words, “deadass wrong.”
Breaking Down the Call on TeSlaa
Ryan took particular issue with the OPI called on TeSlaa, who had been having a strong game and was a key part of Detroit’s late push. According to Ryan, the defender initiated contact - not TeSlaa - making the penalty not just questionable, but flat-out incorrect in his eyes.
“They got the last one right,” Ryan said, referring to the St. Brown call.
“But they certainly got the previous one deadass wrong. The defensive guy on the St.
Brown touchdown, he’s the one that initiated the contact right here on TeSlaa. He initiated the contact.
This is an awful call. And unfortunately, it cost the Lions a win here, and probably a playoff spot.”
That’s a big statement, but it’s hard to ignore the stakes. Detroit was in position to steal a critical win at home, and instead, they walked away with a loss and a heap of frustration.
TeSlaa’s Performance Overshadowed by Controversy
What makes this sting even more for Detroit is how well TeSlaa played. He hauled in a touchdown earlier in the game and nearly came down with another highlight-reel grab that could’ve sealed the win. The rookie’s performance was overshadowed by the flag - one that wiped a potential game-altering play off the board.
Ryan, decked out in a Lions-themed Christmas sweater featuring the Grinch, wasn’t subtle in his support. Whether it was just a festive wardrobe choice or a full-on symbolic protest, it was clear: he was riding for Detroit.
The Fallout and Fan Frustration
The Lions have had a rocky relationship with officiating this season, and this game only added fuel to the fire. Lead referee Carl Cheffers’ postgame explanation didn’t do much to ease tensions, especially after fans initially believed Goff’s touchdown to St. Brown had stood - only to find out it was nullified by the second OPI call.
Ryan’s frustration echoed what many Lions fans were feeling. This wasn’t just about one call; it was about the timing, the stakes, and the cumulative impact. Detroit had a chance to lock in a huge win heading into a Christmas Day showdown with the Vikings, and instead, they’re left wondering what might’ve been.
What’s Next for the Lions?
With the playoff picture tightening, every call matters - and this one could loom large. The Lions still have a shot, but the margin for error is razor-thin. They’ll need to regroup quickly, both emotionally and schematically, before heading to Minnesota.
As for Ryan, whether he’s angling for a future sideline role or just calling it like he sees it, his message was clear: Detroit got jobbed on a critical call, and it may have cost them more than just one game.