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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson didn’t back down from the storied rivalry with the Green Bay Packers when faced with a question about his explicit remarks about the NFC North team.
Johnson dropped several F-bombs as he celebrated with the Bears after the team’s comeback playoff victory. On Monday, Johnson defended the comments, saying he even spoke to team owner George McCaskey about it.
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Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on January 4, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“There’s a rivalry that exists between these two teams,” Johnson said. “Something that I fully recognize and I’m a part of. I just don’t like that team.
“George and I have spoken and we are on the same page.”
Chicago won the game, 31-27, after being down by 18 points in the first half. The Bears’ social media account posted a video of Johnson praising the team.
PACKERS’ HEAD-COACHING SITUATION PUSHED IN SPOTLIGHT AFTER PLAYOFF LOSS
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson takes questions during a news conference after the team’s NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
He was heard saying, “F— the Packers! F— them! F—ing had these guys.”
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.”
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’ Caleb Williams celebrates after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
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Johnson will lead the Bears into the NFC Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams.
