The NFL is full of rivalries, but few burn as bright as the Green Bay Packers versus the Chicago Bears. When Davante Adams, a star wide receiver and former Packer, took a swipe at the Bears in December 2024, it sent shockwaves through the football world. His blunt comments on the “Up & Adams” show reignited a century-old feud, reminding fans why this rivalry is so special. Adams, now with the Los Angeles Rams, didn’t hold back, saying he’d “never” play for Chicago and that the Bears were never a real threat. This article dives into why Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, the history behind his words, and what it means for the NFL today. From his dominant days in Green Bay to the Bears’ recent pushback, let’s explore this spicy drama and its place in football’s oldest rivalry.
The Swipe That Started It All
On the “Up & Adams” show, host Kay Adams asked Davante if he’d ever play for the Bears. His answer was ice-cold: “No. Never. I’m not playing too much longer, so on my last days in this league, I will not be going to Chicago.” He didn’t stop there, adding that the Packers saw Bears games as chances to “go crazy and set records” rather than tough matchups. These words weren’t just trash talk—they were a bold declaration rooted in years of dominating Chicago. Fans on both sides went wild, with Bears supporters feeling the sting and Packers fans loving the nostalgia. This moment shows how deep rivalries run, even when a player moves to a new team.
What Davante Said
Davante’s exact words were brutal. He said the Packers didn’t respect the Bears as a “top-tier team” and went into games ready to “steamroll” them. This wasn’t just a casual jab—it was a reflection of his eight years with Green Bay, where he went 14-2 against Chicago. His stats back it up: 81 catches, 1,024 yards, and 10 touchdowns against the Bears.
Why It Hit Hard
Adams’ comments stung because they tapped into a painful truth for Bears fans. The Packers dominated the rivalry for years, winning 11 straight games until Chicago’s 24-22 upset in January 2025. His swipe reminded everyone of Green Bay’s grip on the matchup, making Bears fans relive those tough losses while fueling their desire to prove him wrong.
The Packers-Bears Rivalry
The Packers-Bears rivalry, dating back to 1921, is one of the NFL’s oldest and fiercest. With over 200 meetings, it’s a clash of pride, history, and bragging rights. For decades, the teams have battled for NFC North supremacy, with Green Bay often holding the upper hand in recent years. Adams, who played for the Packers from 2014 to 2021, was a key part of their dominance, especially against Chicago. His swipe at the Bears wasn’t just personal—it was a nod to this storied feud. Even now, as a Ram, Adams carries the rivalry’s fire, showing how team culture shapes players long after they leave.
A History of Bad Blood
This rivalry is built on epic moments, from hard-hitting games to iconic players. The Packers’ 11-game win streak against the Bears from 2019 to 2024 was a low point for Chicago fans. Adams thrived in those games, turning Soldier Field into his playground. His comments reflect the confidence Green Bay had during that era, a mindset that still lingers.
Why Rivalries Matter
Rivalries like this one make the NFL special. They give games extra meaning, turning regular-season matchups into must-watch events. When Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s not just about him—it’s about the fans, the history, and the passion that keeps this feud alive, no matter where players go.
Adams’ Dominance Over Chicago
Davante Adams wasn’t just good against the Bears—he was unstoppable. In 16 games from 2014 to 2021, he racked up over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging better stats against Chicago than his career norm. He and Aaron Rodgers made the Bears’ defense look helpless, turning games into highlight reels. Adams’ swipe at the Bears wasn’t just talk; it was backed by years of owning them on the field. Even now, as he plays for the Rams, his words carry weight because of that history. Bears fans might hate it, but the numbers don’t lie—Adams was a Chicago nightmare.
The Stats Tell the Story
Against the Bears, Adams had 81 receptions for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. In one 2020 game, he torched Chicago for 121 yards and a touchdown. His ability to exploit their secondary made him a Packers legend and a Bears villain. These stats fuel his confidence when he takes a swipe at them.
The Rodgers-Adams Connection
Adams’ success against Chicago came largely from his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. Their precision and trust overwhelmed defenses. Bears rookie Rome Odunze even cited their connection as a goal for him and QB Caleb Williams, showing how Adams’ legacy still influences Chicago’s aspirations. His swipe was a reminder of that unstoppable duo.
The Bears’ Response
The Bears finally broke their losing streak against Green Bay in January 2025, winning 24-22 on a last-second field goal by Cairo Santos. It was a huge moment for Chicago, ending an 11-game skid. But Adams’ comments show the rivalry’s scars remain. Bears fans and players, like new coach Ben Johnson, are fired up to change the narrative. Johnson himself took a shot at Packers coach Matt LaFleur, signaling Chicago’s newfound confidence. Adams’ swipe might have stung, but it’s also motivation for a Bears team looking to reclaim respect in the NFC North.
Chicago’s Big Win
That 24-22 victory in Week 18 of 2024 was a turning point. It showed the Bears, led by rookie QB Caleb Williams, could compete with their rivals. Fans went wild, and the win gave Chicago hope that they’re closing the gap. Adams’ words might have downplayed this, but the Bears are ready to fight back.
A New Era for the Bears
With Ben Johnson as coach, the Bears are building around young talent like Williams and Rome Odunze. They’re not the same team Adams dominated years ago. His swipe might have been a jab at their past, but Chicago’s recent progress suggests they’re ready to challenge that narrative in future matchups.
Adams’ Journey After Green Bay
Since leaving the Packers in 2022, Adams has played for the Raiders, Jets, and now the Rams, signing a two-year, $46 million deal in March 2025. His 2024 season was solid—85 catches, 1,063 yards, and his 100th career touchdown. But his swipe at the Bears shows his Green Bay roots still run deep. Even as he coaches up younger players like Puka Nacua, Adams carries the Packers’ mindset, especially when it comes to Chicago. His comments prove that rivalries stick with players, no matter where their careers take them.
From Packers to Rams
Adams’ move to the Rams reunited him with a winning culture under coach Sean McVay. After bumpy stops in Las Vegas and New York, he’s back on a playoff contender. His swipe at the Bears shows he hasn’t forgotten his Packers days, where he built his legacy dominating Chicago.
Carrying the Rivalry
Even on new teams, Adams’ dislike for the Bears persists. He admitted Packers games against Chicago felt different, like chances to “set records.” This mindset, shaped by Green Bay’s culture, explains why he still takes swipes at the Bears, keeping the rivalry alive wherever he goes.
Why the Swipe Matters Today
Adams’ comments aren’t just about the past—they add fuel to the NFL’s future. As the Bears rebuild and the Rams aim for a Super Bowl, his words make their 2025 matchups must-watch. The swipe also shows how players carry rivalries with them, shaping fan excitement and team narratives. For Bears fans, it’s a challenge to prove they’re no longer pushovers. For Adams, it’s a flex of his dominance and a nod to his Packers legacy. This moment reminds us why the NFL thrives on passion and history.
Fueling Future Games
When the Rams face the Bears, Adams’ comments will loom large. Fans and players will remember his swipe, making those games electric. Chicago will want to shut him up, while Adams will aim to back his words with big plays. The rivalry just got spicier.
A Lesson in Rivalry Passion
Adams’ swipe shows how rivalries give the NFL its heartbeat. They’re not just about wins—they’re about pride and identity. His words remind fans why they love this sport, turning every Packers-Bears (or now Rams-Bears) game into a battle for bragging rights.
How Fans Reacted
The reaction to Adams’ swipe was instant and loud. Bears fans called him disrespectful, flooding social media with frustration. Packers fans, meanwhile, ate it up, reminiscing about the days when Adams and Rodgers ran over Chicago. Neutral fans just enjoyed the drama, seeing it as classic NFL spice. Posts on X lit up, with some calling Adams a legend for his honesty and others saying he went too far. Either way, his comments stirred the pot, proving that a single swipe can keep a rivalry buzzing for weeks.
Bears Fans Fight Back
Chicago fans didn’t take Adams’ words lightly. Many pointed to their 2025 win as proof the Bears are turning Fac fans saw Adams’ comments as a challenge, vowing to show him up next time he faces them. The swipe united them in their quest to rebuild their team’s respect.
Packers Fans Love It
Green Bay fans were all smiles, flooding X with memes and throwback highlights of Adams torching the Bears. His swipe was like a victory lap for them, a reminder of their team’s dominance and a reason to keep the rivalry trash talk alive and well.
The Future of the Rivalry
Adams’ swipe at the Bears isn’t just a headline—it’s a spark for what’s to come. As Chicago builds around new talent and Green Bay stays a contender, the rivalry is heating up. The Bears’ 2025 win was a step forward, but Adams’ words show they’ve got more to prove. When he faces Chicago as a Ram, the games will carry extra weight. His comments have set the stage for intense battles, reminding everyone that in the NFL, rivalries like this never fade—they just evolve.
Chicago’s Next Steps
The Bears are on the rise with Ben Johnson and young stars like Caleb Williams. Adams’ swipe is a challenge to show they’re no longer the “easy win” he described. Future games will be their chance to rewrite the story and earn respect in the NFC North.
Adams’ Lasting Legacy
Even as a Ram, Adams’ Packers legacy lives on. His swipe at the Bears proves he’s still tied to that rivalry, carrying its fire into every game. Whether he’s catching passes or talking trash, Adams keeps the NFL’s oldest feud alive and thriving.