Officials confirm Packers called timeout before penalty on fourth down, allowing Green Bay to score touchdown

On Thanksgiving Day, the Green Bay Packers received an unexpected break from the officials during a critical moment against the Detroit Lions. Late in the second quarter, with the Lions trailing 10-7, the Packers appeared to commit a false start on a pivotal fourth-and-1 play.

Following a review and discussion among the referees, it was determined that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had called a timeout prior to the infraction. However, video replay suggested that LaFleur had not signaled the timeout before the penalty occurred. While it is possible he verbally requested the timeout from an official on the sideline, the intense noise at Ford Field made this unlikely.

Matt LaFleur didnt get the timeout off, they still gave it to him. SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) November 27, 2025

The decision proved highly advantageous for Green Bay. Retaining fourth-and-1 instead of being penalized to fourth-and-6, the Packers chose to attempt the conversion rather than kick a field goal. Quarterback Jordan Love connected with Romeo Doubs for a touchdown, extending the lead to 17-7. Had the false start penalty been enforced, Green Bay likely would have settled for a field goal, a difference of four points.

The Lions expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, as the replay provided a reasonable basis for disputing the timeout call. After the game, LaFleur appeared aware of the fortunate outcome, telling reporters, "Of course they got it right," followed by a playful wink.

#Packers HC Matt LaFleur on if the refs got it right by giving him a timeout instead of calling a false start: ( @NFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/9XvrXKdOzs Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2025

Green Bay maintained control for the remainder of the game, ultimately securing a 31-24 victory over Detroit.

Analysis: Questionable Timeout Call Benefits Green Bay Packers

On Thanksgiving Day, a controversial decision by the referees during the Green Bay Packers’ game against the Detroit Lions has sparked debate. The pivotal moment came late in the second quarter when the Packers were on a crucial fourth-and-1 play. It appeared that Green Bay had committed a false start, a penalty that would have pushed them back to a fourth-and-6. However, after a review, the officials ruled that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had called a timeout just before the infraction occurred.

Despite video evidence suggesting that LaFleur did not signal for the timeout before the penalty, the call stood. Given the noise level at Ford Field, it seemed unlikely that LaFleur had communicated his request to the officials clearly. Nevertheless, the Packers retained possession of the ball and opted to attempt the conversion, rather than settle for a field goal. Quarterback Jordan Love subsequently connected with Romeo Doubs for a touchdown, extending Green Bay’s lead to 17-7.

The decision to award the timeout proved crucial in the context of the game. Had the false start penalty been enforced, the Packers likely would have attempted a field goal, reducing their lead by four points. Detroit, which had been trailing 10-7, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, given the conflicting evidence from the replay. However, after the game, LaFleur seemed to acknowledge the fortunate turn of events with a playful comment, “Of course they got it right,” further fueling speculation around the fairness of the decision.

The Packers went on to win the game 31-24, maintaining control throughout the second half. While the ruling did not ultimately decide the game, it remains a point of contention among fans and analysts, highlighting the impact of referee decisions in high-stakes moments.

Sources:

• Officials rule Packers called timeout before a penalty on fourth down, Green Bay takes advantage for TD