Tensions reached a boiling point during the recent playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, culminating in a dramatic 31-27 comeback victory for the Bears at Soldier Field on January 11, 2026. The atmosphere shifted significantly just before kickoff when a gathering of Packers players disrupted the pregame routine of Bears punter Tory Taylor, igniting a heated exchange that involved players from both teams.
Following the game, Bears head coach Ben Johnson expressed his discontent with the pregame altercation. “No one wants to see that,” he remarked, noting the charged emotions that often accompany such high-stakes matchups. Despite his reservations about the pregame incident, Johnson embraced the intensity of the Bears-Packers rivalry, highlighting its historical significance and the competitive spirit it fosters.
Johnson’s passion for the rivalry was evident during the postgame proceedings. He notably bypassed the customary handshake with Packers coach Matt LaFleur, a move that did not go unnoticed. Inside the locker room, he encapsulated the team’s mood with an unapologetic declaration: “F— the Packers.” While he later softened his language, the message remained clear; his feelings towards the Packers are anything but hidden.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds echoed Johnson’s sentiments, emphasizing that the emotional stakes of football often make games personal. “Personal is what football is,” he stated, reinforcing the notion that rivalries fuel performance on the field. This connection to the rivalry was palpable in the Bears’ locker room, with players feeling energized by Johnson’s fiery remarks.
Since his appointment as head coach, Johnson has cultivated a culture that embraces the emotional edge of competition. His desire to stay competitive within the NFC North was evident from his first press conference, where he openly expressed enjoyment in defeating LaFleur’s Packers. This willingness to provoke and engage has not only resonated with the fanbase but has also reignited the rivalry on the field.
The emotional investment paid off during the recent playoff match, where the Bears successfully leveraged their rivalry with the Packers to spur an impressive fourth-quarter performance. After being down by 18 points at halftime, the Bears scored 25 points in the final quarter, marking a significant turnaround that advanced them to the NFC divisional round for the first time in years.
Quarterback Caleb Williams remarked on the message sent to the Packers through their performance this season, stating, “We’re here. And we’re going to be here for a while.” This confidence reflects a notable shift in the dynamic of the Bears-Packers rivalry, which has historically favored Green Bay.
The Bears’ victory not only ended the Packers’ season but also marked their first playoff win against Green Bay since the Super Bowl era. This triumph holds particular significance, as it represents the Bears’ first postseason victory since January 2011, adding to the excitement among fans and players alike.
Receiver DJ Moore articulated the team’s shared disdain for the Packers, describing them as a team that constantly engages in banter, both on and off the field. Following the game-winning touchdown, Moore and his teammates celebrated with playful antics, including wearing foam cheese-grater hats during a postgame interview, symbolizing their triumph over their historic rivals.
While Johnson’s approach may raise eyebrows among some, including Bears chairman George McCaskey, it has undeniably revitalized the franchise. Johnson’s two victories over the Packers this season surpass the totals of each of his four predecessors, a fact that speaks volumes about the potential direction of the team under his leadership.
As the Bears look ahead to the NFC divisional round, the intensity of the Bears-Packers rivalry remains a driving force. Johnson’s first season has reinvigorated the competitive spirit, leading to a newfound sense of pride among players and fans alike. The atmosphere in Chicago is electric, and the Bears are poised to continue their resurgence in the NFC North.
