GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers made a roster move Monday that sent shockwaves through Titletown — and straight into the heart of their fierchest rival. Tight end Ben Sims, the undrafted free agent who became a fan favorite with his blue-collar blocking and clutch red-zone grabs, was waived to make room for Christian Watson’s return from a high-ankle sprain. But the story didn’t end there
.
Within three hours of hitting the waiver wire, Sims was claimed by the Minnesota Vikings — turning a routine transaction into an NFC North powder keg.
And then came the message.
Sims’ Emotional Farewell That Broke Packers Nation
At 2:17 PM CT, Sims posted a heart-wrenching Instagram farewell that racked up 250K likes in under an hour:
“Lambeau was home. The fans were family. The leap was life. I gave everything — blood, sweat, and that TD vs. the Bears. Thank you, Green Bay. This isn’t goodbye… it’s ‘see you in the North.’ 💜 #GoPackGo”
The final line — “see you in the North” — was a dagger.
Packers fans lost it.
- #KeepSims trended #1 in Wisconsin.
- #TraitorSims trended #2 in Minnesota.
- One viral edit: Sims in a Vikings jersey with devil horns, captioned “From leap to Skol in 3 hours.”
Why the Packers Cut Sims — And Why It Hurts
Sims, 25, signed with Green Bay as a UDFA out of Baylor in 2023. He made the roster as a blocking specialist but flashed playmaking ability:
| Season | GP | REC | YDS | TD | BLOCK GRADE (PFF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 12 | 108 | 2 | 78.4 |
| 2025 | 7 | 8 | 74 | 1 | 81.2 |
His Week 3 TD vs. Chicago — a Lambeau Leap into the south end zone — became iconic.
But with Christian Watson activated off IR (7 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD in limited action vs. Steelers), Luke Musgrave healthy, and Tucker Kraft dominating (143 yards, 2 TDs vs. Pittsburgh), the numbers game caught up.
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GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed the move:
“Tough decision. Ben’s a Packer through and through. But with Watson back and Kraft/Musgrave rolling, we had to make space. We wish him nothing but success — except twice a year.”
Vikings Pounce — NFC North Heats Up
The Vikings, sitting at 4–3 and desperate for TE depth behind T.J. Hockenson (questionable, knee), claimed Sims instantly.
HC Kevin O’Connell on the pickup:
“Ben’s a pro. He knows our division. He’s physical, reliable, and he’s motivated. Perfect fit.”
Sims will wear #88 in Minnesota — the same number he had in Green Bay.
The first matchup? Week 10 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Packers fans are already circling it in purple ink.
Social Media Meltdown
- @PackersLegacy: “Sims to the Vikings? This is worse than Favre. Burn the jersey.”
- @VikingsVault: “Welcome, Ben! First order: Block Rashan Gary into the Mississippi.”
- Meme of the Day: Sims doing the Lambeau Leap… into a Vikings horn.
What’s Next for Sims?
- Role in Minnesota: Backup to Hockenson, red-zone threat, special teams ace.
- Contract: Final year of rookie deal — $915K base, fully guaranteed if he makes the 53.
- Revenge Game: Week 10 vs. Packers — primetime on NBC.
Final Word from Sims
In a follow-up story, Sims doubled down:
“I’ll always bleed green. But now? I play for the purple. See y’all in two weeks. #Skol”
Packers Nation isn’t ready.
But the NFC North just got spicier.
