Minnesota Vikings linebacker Za'Darius Smith. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Za'Darius Smith says he signed with Vikings to get payback on Packers

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/7/22

Talk about holding a grudge.

Former Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith admitted this week that he didn't sign a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings because of money or someone on the team he wanted to play with. A main reason he signed with them is that they are a close rival to the Packers -- and Smith wants to face them twice a year to exact revenge.

Za'Darius Smith: I'm with #Vikings so I can play #Packers twice a year. #NFL #Skol
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) September 7, 2022

The two-time Pro Bowler told Tyler Dunne of "Go Long" that Green Bay appeared to treat him differently after he injured his back and had to have surgery. According to Smith, he was treated badly from that point on, right up to the point that Smith was released by the Packers last March to free up cap space.

"I put my back on the f---ing line," Smith said. "I put everything. And that year three, I was treated bad. That's why I'm here now. So, I can play them twice a year."

We finally get Za'Darius Smith's side of the story on what in the hell happened last season in Green Bay, too.

He details everything. It's a reason he's now a Viking. https://t.co/095sIcJsH4 pic.twitter.com/q394yPR0WZ
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) September 7, 2022

Smith's opportunity for revenge is rapidly approaching as Minnesota hosts Green Bay in its season-opener this weekend. According to Smith, he will be delivering the pregame speech to the locker room and he has been preparing it for months.

What Smith's exact plan is for revenge is unknown, although simply getting the win isn't out of the question. While the Packers lead the all-time head-to-head series 64-56-3, the Vikings have won two of the last three games between the two teams.

Kickoff for Vikings vs. Packers is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.

More must-reads: