Za’Darius Smith ‘can’t wait’ to torment the Packers in 2022

New Minnesota Vikings linebacker Za’Darius Smith recently shared his excitement about getting to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 next season.

When the 2022 NFL regular-season schedule was revealed last week, no one on the Minnesota Vikings roster might have been more excited than Za’Darius Smith to find out that the team’s Week 1 opponent will be the Green Bay Packers.

When he was first told the news about the Vikings opening up the season against the Packers, Smith said with a big smile on his face, “there’s going to be a whole lot of cheesing going on. How about that?”

After three years in Green Bay, the veteran linebacker decided to sign with Minnesota earlier this offseason. In 2022, Smith will get the chance to prove to his former team that they should have never let him walk out of the door.

Minnesota Vikings LB Za’Darius Smith looking forward to facing the Green Bay Packers in 2022

Recently, Smith was a guest on “The Rich Eisen Show” and he talked about what it will be like to open up the 2022 season in a Vikings uniform and face his former team.

"“I can’t wait to get a chance to face [the Packers] in the first game and see that look on Aaron Rodgers’ face when he sees me on the other side of the ball.”"

It’s just some friendly banter from the talented pass rusher, but it’s safe to say that he will be extra motivated to help Minnesota begin their 2022 campaign with a sweet victory over the Packers inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

After only appearing in two games for Green Bay last season (including the playoffs), the Vikings will be hoping that injuries don’t get in the way of Smith having a dominant performance for their defense in 2022.

If he can remain healthy for the majority of the year, Aaron Rodgers will just be the first of many quarterbacks to have their day ruined by Smith in a purple and gold uniform.