Bears’ Ben Johnson criticized for profane outbursts

ESPN star Dick Vitale wasn’t happy with Ben Johnson on Sunday after the Chicago Bears coach’s explicit reaction to a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers went viral.

The cameras were on and the microphone was hot as Johnson rallied his team in the locker room after a 31-27 comeback victory. He was heard saying, “F— the Packers! F— them! F—ing had these guys.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist

Vitale, the legendary college basketball commentator, appeared shaken.

“Totally CLASSLESS attitude in winning by BEN JOHNSON’s coach for the @ChicagoBears in the amazing comeback to beat the @packers. The main topic should have been the boring comeback, not the childish F__ Packers comments,” Vitale wrote on X.

The rivalry between the Bears and the Packers is definitely rekindled. Johnson threw gasoline on the fire when he first joined the Bears. He was then asked why he chose Chicago. He said he “kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”

Dick Vitale is in attendance at Coleman Coliseum for the Alabama-Kentucky college basketball game on February 22, 2025. (Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News)

49ERS’ GEORGE KITTLE CARRIED OFF FIELD WITH ACHILLES INJURY DURING WILD CARD ROUND VS EAGLES

The message sparked a few icy handshakes during the season, including one after the playoffs. Chicago went 1-1 against Green Bay in the regular season and defeated them when it mattered most.

The first-year head coach praised his players for their tough performance, coming off two losses to go into halftime up 21-3. Johnson said his team was “built for pressure.”

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the sideline against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Banks/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP

The Bears will face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round.