The most recent high-profile incident involving Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson occurred shortly after the team’s dramatic wild-card playoff victory over the rival Green Bay Packers. In the locker room, amid the euphoria of a historic comeback—trailing 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 entering the fourth quarter before rallying to win 31-27—Johnson unleashed a passionate, profanity-laced rant that quickly went viral. Captured on video shared by the Bears, he repeatedly shouted variations of “F— the Packers! F— them! I f—ing hate those guys!” to fire up his players and celebrate ending Green Bay’s season.
The outburst, raw and unfiltered, captured the intense emotions of one of the NFL’s oldest and most bitter rivalries. Johnson, in his first season as head coach after leaving the Detroit Lions where he built a reputation as one of the league’s top offensive minds, showed no hesitation in embracing the disdain that has defined Bears-Packers matchups for over a century. The comments spread rapidly across social media, with clips amassing millions of views and igniting heated discussions among fans, analysts, and former players.
Many Bears supporters hailed Johnson as authentic and passionate, appreciating how he channeled the frustration accumulated from years of dominance by the Packers. The victory marked a turning point for a franchise that had endured decades of mediocrity and playoff droughts. Johnson’s arrival, paired with quarterback Caleb Williams’ development and a revitalized roster, had already generated optimism. This win, and his unapologetic celebration, symbolized a new era of competitiveness and swagger in Chicago. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with memes, celebratory posts, and declarations that the Bears were finally “back,” crediting Johnson’s fiery leadership for igniting the team.
However, the reaction was far from unanimous. Critics, including legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale, labeled the remarks “classless” and “childish,” arguing that a head coach should model sportsmanship even in rivalry games. Vitale took to social media to express his disappointment, suggesting Johnson’s behavior set a poor example, particularly for younger fans. Others pointed to the brief, frosty post-game handshake with Packers coach Matt LaFleur—where Johnson appeared to jog over quickly before heading to celebrate with his team—as further evidence of poor sportsmanship.
LaFleur, visibly stunned after the loss, faced questions about the moment, but the focus remained on Johnson’s side of the exchange.
The debate intensified when Johnson addressed the media the following day. Far from retracting his words, he doubled down, stating there was a longstanding rivalry between the teams, one he fully recognized and participated in. “I don’t like that team,” he said plainly, adding that he had spoken with Bears chairman George McCaskey and they were aligned on the sentiment. He emphasized that rivalries thrive on genuine emotion and that his comments reflected the intensity shared by players and staff alike.
This refusal to apologize only fueled the fire, with some viewing it as arrogant while others saw it as refreshingly honest in an era where coaches often default to bland, corporate responses.
Social media exploded with polarized opinions. Bears fans defended Johnson as a leader who “gets it,” pointing out that rivalries like this one—dating back to the 1920s—have always included trash talk and strong feelings. Packers supporters and neutral observers accused him of crossing into disrespect, especially toward a team and fanbase with deep historical ties to the league. Hashtags related to the rant trended for days, with debates centering on whether passion excuses profanity from a head coach or if professionalism should always prevail.
Analysts on ESPN and other networks weighed in, some praising the energy Johnson brought to a dormant franchise, others warning that such outbursts could alienate opponents or create unnecessary distractions moving forward in the playoffs.
The incident highlighted broader themes in modern sports: the tension between authenticity and decorum, the power of viral moments in shaping narratives, and how quickly a single comment can overshadow a remarkable on-field achievement. For Johnson, the seven-word core of his rant—”F— the Packers, I f—ing hate those guys”—(often condensed in retellings) became shorthand for his approach. It outraged segments of the fanbase outside Chicago while galvanizing those within it, sparking endless threads, reaction videos, and opinion pieces.
As the Bears prepared for their next playoff opponent, the focus shifted back to football, but the echoes of Johnson’s words lingered. The victory over Green Bay represented more than just advancing; it signaled Chicago’s intent to reclaim relevance in the NFC North. Whether the controversy proves a minor blip or a defining characteristic of Johnson’s tenure remains to be seen. What is clear is that in embracing the raw edge of rivalry, the first-year coach has made an indelible mark—one that has divided opinions but undeniably energized a fanbase hungry for success.
The episode also underscored Johnson’s evolution from a respected coordinator to a head coach unafraid to show emotion. His track record of innovative play-calling carried over, but this moment revealed a fiercer, more confrontational side. In a league where rivalries fuel narratives, Johnson’s brief comment has ensured the Bears-Packers feud burns hotter than ever, setting the stage for future clashes that promise even more intensity. For now, as debates rage online and in sports bars across the Midwest, one thing is certain: Ben Johnson has no regrets about letting his feelings show.
