In a surprising intersection of tech and football, Green Bay Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander has publicly called out billionaire Elon Musk and his platform, X (formerly Twitter), urging NFL fans to delete the app after a controversial post in which Musk compared the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions in a manner that struck many as dismissive and antagonistic.

Earlier today, Musk posted on X:

“The Lions are like a gritty startup with soul. The Packers? A legacy brand coasting on past glory. 🏈”

The post instantly went viral — and triggered backlash from Packers fans and players alike. But it was Jaire Alexander, one of the league’s top defensive backs and a cornerstone of the Packers defense, who fired back in the most direct way.

“This app is cooked.”

Speaking to reporters after a team workout, Alexander didn’t hold back.

“This app is cooked, man. Full of garbage takes from people who don’t understand football — especially that Elon dude. He needs to stay in his lane.”
“If you’re a real NFL fan, just delete the app. It’s not about football anymore. It’s just drama and distractions.”

Alexander, known for his confident play and unapologetic personality on the field, went on to say that platforms like X are doing more harm than good when it comes to celebrating the sport.

“Every week it’s someone with a billion dollars and no football IQ trying to stir stuff up for likes. I’m not here for that. I’m here to play football and represent Green Bay. Period.”

Musk’s reply?

As expected, Musk responded with a cryptic — and arguably taunting — message a few hours later:

“Didn’t know cornerbacks were this sensitive. Might need a firmware upgrade. 🤖”

That reply only intensified the online debate, with fans of both the Packers and Lions — and even a few rival teams — chiming in. “Jaire vs. Elon” quickly became a top trending topic on X, drawing reactions from across the NFL landscape.

A bigger culture clash?

This latest dust-up highlights a growing tension between professional athletes and the tech platforms that claim to support them but often amplify negativity or misinformation.

Sports media analyst Dan Kravitz weighed in:

“Athletes are pushing back more now. They’re tired of being reduced to clickbait by billionaires who don’t respect the game. And when someone like Jaire speaks up, people listen.”

No comment (yet) from the NFL

The NFL has not released a statement on the controversy, though sources say league executives are monitoring the situation closely. The timing is notable, as both the Packers and Lions are poised to battle for NFC North dominance this season — adding even more tension to one of the league’s fastest-growing rivalries.

Jaire’s final word?

When asked if he planned to respond further to Musk online, Alexander smiled and said:

“Nah. He’s got his app. I’ve got the field. Let’s see who makes more noise this season.”