Controversial Calls Impact Steelers-Lions Game Outcome

The Pittsburgh Steelers' narrow victory over the Detroit Lions, 29-24, on December 21, 2025, has ignited controversy due to critical officiating calls that many believe altered the game's outcome. Two offensive pass interference penalties against the Lions in the final moments of the game negated what could have been game-winning touchdowns.

Former Lions player Nate Burleson, discussing the game on the Dan Patrick Show, reflected on the feeling of the Lions being on the wrong end of officiating decisions, likening it to past controversies like the infamous Calvin Johnson rule.

Burleson argued that the calls against rookie Isaac TeSlaa and Amon-Ra St. Brown were not warranted and echoed a sentiment shared by Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who labeled the first penalty as a 'bad call.' Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan also chimed in, claiming that the first offensive pass interference call was 'dead-ass wrong,' asserting that it cost the Lions a win and potentially a playoff spot.

The Lions' playoff chances fell to roughly 6% following the loss, as they now must win their last two games and rely on other results to secure a postseason berth. Meanwhile, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson expressed frustration over the officiating, stating he had never seen two offensive pass interference calls impact a game in such a significant way.