Out of Touch? Lions Insider Calls Out Rod Wood as ‘Tone Deaf’ Over Ticket Complaints

In a week that should have been about celebrating progress and optimism for Detroit Lions fans, team president Rod Wood’s recent comments about season ticket pricing and fan satisfaction have sparked a storm of backlash. According to a prominent Lions insider, Wood’s assertion that the team has received “virtually no complaints” about ticket prices is not only inaccurate but dangerously tone deaf, revealing a potential disconnect between the front office and its fanbase.

The Detroit Lions are in the midst of a renaissance—fresh off a season that saw them reach the NFC Championship game, bolstered by a young, exciting core and one of the NFL’s most likable coaching staffs. With momentum at an all-time high and expectations for 2025 through the roof, fan enthusiasm is peaking. But for many season ticket holders, that enthusiasm is being tempered by rising costs and a sense that loyalty is being taken for granted.

Rod Wood’s comments, which were made during a recent media availability, focused on the team’s record-setting season ticket renewal rate and the lack of formal complaints received. He cited that the vast majority of fans are thrilled with the product and are eager to return to Ford Field. But according to reports from season ticket holders and reactions across social media, that narrative doesn’t tell the full story.

For fans who have followed the Lions through decades of mediocrity and disappointment, the price hikes hit differently. Many were hoping that the team would reward their unwavering loyalty with affordability and access—not additional financial strain. Instead, the average ticket price increase of 18 to 20 percent (in some cases more) has left longtime supporters feeling priced out of an experience they’ve been a part of for years, even decades.

An insider closely tied to the Lions organization and local media responded to Wood’s comments with sharp criticism. “Rod Wood is completely tone deaf here,” the insider said. “The inboxes of season ticket reps are full. Social media has been flooded. Just because complaints aren’t filed in a formal capacity doesn’t mean they don’t exist. And ignoring that frustration is risky.”

This tone-deafness, the insider elaborated, isn’t about not raising prices—it’s about how it’s being communicated and justified. “Fans get that success has a price tag. They know a winning product brings demand. But the problem is acting like there’s no pushback at all, as if we’re all just singing Kumbaya over $300 nosebleeds. That’s not the case, and pretending it is makes fans feel unheard.”

Indeed, while the Lions have one of the most exciting rosters in football, the pricing model raises serious equity concerns. Fans in working-class Detroit communities—those who kept the faith when the Lions were winning two or three games a year—are now being edged out by price surges, dynamic pricing algorithms, and corporate buyers. For many, this feels like betrayal.

Social media lit up following Wood’s comments, with threads on Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook brimming with firsthand accounts of fans who’ve had to give up their seats or who are weighing whether they can afford to renew.

One user wrote, “Been a season ticket holder since 2007. This year? Got priced out. Same seats went up nearly $1,000 total. And now you’re telling me there are no complaints? That’s insulting.”

Another shared, “My dad and I have gone to games together since I was a kid. We just decided not to renew because it’s not affordable for both of us anymore. It’s heartbreaking.”

The emotional toll of being priced out goes beyond the economics—it’s cultural. The Lions fanbase is among the most loyal in all of sports. Through the 0-16 season, through the Matt Millen years, through every rebuild and false hope, they’ve remained. To feel as though that loyalty is being monetized, or worse, disregarded, is an emotional gut punch.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Rod Wood has drawn criticism for a lack of awareness regarding fan sentiment. As a non-football executive with a business background, Wood was a controversial hire from the outset. While he’s undoubtedly played a part in modernizing the business side of the franchise, his communication style and perceived detachment from football culture have led to several PR missteps.

In contrast, head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have resonated deeply with fans because of their authenticity and passion. They speak to Detroit’s underdog spirit and blue-collar ethos. Wood’s comments, however, feel misaligned with that message and highlight a divide between football operations and the business office.

For the Lions, this is more than just a PR issue—it’s a test of brand loyalty. The fanbase has endured decades of irrelevance, and now, just as success seems finally within reach, many feel like they’re being pushed to the sidelines. The organization’s ability to manage that tension—between winning and accessibility—will be critical in shaping the next chapter of its identity.

One potential solution being floated by fans and analysts alike is the creation of more flexible pricing tiers and programs targeted at longtime season ticket holders, low-income families, and Detroit residents. Some have suggested a loyalty points program, where years of tenure as a fan would factor into pricing models or access perks. Others want to see more community engagement—open practices, discounted family nights, or community giveaways—that acknowledge the broader fan base beyond just those who can afford the top-tier seats.

There’s also a communication piece that must be improved. Transparency goes a long way in building trust. If the team had been more upfront about why prices were rising—investment in facilities, retaining top talent, enhanced game-day experience—fans may still be upset, but at least they’d feel respected.

The Lions have a rare opportunity to do something special. With a young core, a relatable coaching staff, and a fan base hungry for sustained success, this could be a golden era in Detroit sports. But that future can’t be built on the backs of displaced fans or brushed-aside concerns. It has to be collaborative.

Rod Wood and the Lions’ front office would be wise to listen—not just to formal complaints in a spreadsheet, but to the voices in the crowd, the ones who’ve been there for the bad times and just want to be part of the good.

The next few months will be telling. Will the Lions double down on their current model, or will they course-correct and find a way to strike the balance between business growth and fan appreciation?

Because at the end of the day, this team doesn’t just belong to the executives in suits—it belongs to the city. To the fans. To Detroit. And it’s up to leadership to ensure everyone can stay on this ride together.