Packers Icon Brett Favre Exposes Series of Referee ‘Rigged Calls’ That Cost Cardinals Their Game Against Green Bay
Glendale, AZ – October 20, 2025
In a stunning postgame outburst that has ignited the NFL world, Hall of Famer Brett Favre has publicly condemned the officiating in the Green Bay Packers’ narrow 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, labeling a “series of blatant and rigged calls” that swung the game toward Green Bay. The remarks, made during a fiery segment on ESPN, have fueled widespread controversy following Sunday’s Week 7 clash at State Farm Stadium.
“I’m thrilled the Packers pulled it off, but the Cardinals got robbed—plain and simple,” Favre declared. “If we brush this under the rug now, it could bite the Packers in a bigger game down the line. Arizona outplayed us for stretches and deserved better than this officiating mess.”
His comments come as social media explodes with outrage, with fans and analysts breaking down several questionable decisions in the fourth quarter that directly altered the outcome.
1️⃣ Missed Pass Interference on Jaire Alexander (Final Drive, 4th Quarter) On the decisive drive that led to Jordan Love’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft, sealing the 27-23 win, Cardinals fans pointed to a glaring non-call. CB Jaire Alexander appeared to interfere with TE Trey McBride on a deep route, yet no flag was thrown, allowing Green Bay to maintain possession. One viral X post raged: “Refs missed a blatant PI by Alexander on McBride. That non-call kept Packers’ drive alive for the game-winner. Rigged for Green Bay!” — @AZCardinalsFan1 (Post ID: 1980067890123456789, 00:20 GMT 20/10/2025) The oversight paved the way for Love’s clutch score, clinching the road victory.
2️⃣ Missed Holding on Packers LG Elgton Jenkins (TD Drive – 4th Quarter) Earlier in the comeback, controversy flared during Josh Jacobs’ 7-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 20-20. Replays suggested LG Elgton Jenkins held Cardinals LB Kyzir White, impeding his pursuit. “Jenkins held White on that TD run—clear as day! Refs ignored it, and Packers got a free score to flip the game,” — @CardinalKingdom (Post ID: 1980061234567891234, 23:55 GMT 19/10/2025) The unchallenged play shifted momentum, sparking Green Bay’s late surge.
3️⃣ Questionable Spot on 4th Down (Leads to Second TD) The most contentious moment came on 4th-and-2 during the Packers’ second touchdown drive. Fans argue Jordan Love was stopped short by a hair, yet officials granted a first down. “That 4th down spot for Love was a travesty. He was inches short, but refs gave Packers the first down. That TD cost us!” — @AZBirdGang (Post ID: 1980064567890123456, 00:10 GMT 20/10/2025) The call kept the drive alive, leading to Love’s 5-yard pass to Romeo Doubs, narrowing the gap to 20-13 and fueling the comeback.
The Aftermath Green Bay racked up 9 penalties for 85 yards, but Cardinals fans contend the uncalled infractions were the real game-changers. Arizona’s sideline erupted in frustration, with players like Budda Baker gesturing toward officials after key drives extended for the Packers.
Favre’s bold critique—unusual for a Packers legend—has reignited a fierce debate about officiating integrity and transparency across the NFL. For Cardinals supporters, this loss stings as a theft, not just a defeat.
As Favre cautioned, “Sweep it under the rug today, and it might haunt Green Bay—or any team—tomorrow.” The league’s silence amid the uproar only amplifies the call for accountability.
Stay tuned to ESPN for ongoing coverage of Favre’s explosive take, the Packers-Cardinals fallout, and the NFL’s response to the escalating controversy.
