The bitter, historic rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers has been injected with fresh venom, courtesy of Bears head coach Ben Johnson. In a moment of raw, post-game emotion, Johnson's expletive-laden tirade against the Packers has captured the intense animosity that defines this NFL feud.
A Frosty Handshake and a Fiery Speech
Moments after his team's dramatic 31-27 victory on Saturday night, which knocked Green Bay out of the NFL playoffs, Johnson shared a brief and notably cold handshake with Packers counterpart Matt LeFleur. The real fireworks, however, were saved for the Bears' locker room.
In a raucous celebration captured on video, Johnson screamed 'F*** the Packers!' twice to his elated players. The clip was shared on social media and swiftly went viral, further cementing the hostility between the two NFC North franchises. This playoff win came just a week after Chicago had beaten Green Bay 24-22 in Week 18 to clinch the NFC North title.
Motivation from the 'Noise' Up North
When later questioned about his emotional outburst, Johnson pointed to pre-game comments from the Packers' camp as a key motivator. 'There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear, players and coaches alike,' he explained. 'This one meant something to us.'
While not specified, the 'noise' likely referred to public confidence from Green Bay figures, including defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who had implied the Packers would advance. Bears safety Kevin Byard confirmed the impact, stating, 'It definitely got us riled up. It got us amped up for the game.'
A Stunning Comeback Seals the Feud
The victory itself was a testament to Chicago's resilience. Led by quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears engineered a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback from an 18-point deficit to snatch the win. Byard called it the 'most special' comeback of their season.
For Johnson, who took over as Bears head coach last summer, the animosity towards Green Bay is nothing new. In his very first press conference with Chicago, he noted his enjoyment at beating LeFleur twice a year during his previous role as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
The Bears now advance to the divisional round, where they will face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles. For the Packers, their focus turns abruptly to preparations for the 2026 season, their exit sealed by a rival's triumph and a coach's unforgettable, furious words.
