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The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears heated up Sunday as the two teams battled it out for the NFC North title.
The Packers were able to pick up a win against the Bears, 28-21. The win was followed by an icy handshake between Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Bears head coach Ben Johnson at midfield as the final whistle blew.
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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur reacts during the first half against the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
The exchange caught the attention of some NFL fans as they recalled what Johnson told reporters when he was introduced as the Bears’ head coach back in January.
“To be completely honest with you, I enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” he said after coming over from the Detroit Lions, where he worked as offensive coordinator under Dan Campbell.
Chicago had Green Bay on edge. Packers running back Josh Jacobs ran for a touchdown with 3:32 left in the game. Then Bears quarterback Caleb Williams threw an interception in the end zone in the final moments.
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
LaFleur ran onto the field to greet Johnson. The entire interaction lasted a few seconds. LaFleur was jubilant as soon as he got back to the locker room.
“It was a quick handshake and we’ll see them again in 2 weeks,” LaFleur told reporters, downplaying any personal issues between him and Johnson.
FOX broadcaster Tom Brady offered his own take on the handshake.
“I’m sure it was about as icy as the temperature,” Brady said after the game. “I think both teams had to go out and buy extra bulletin boards going into the week. There was a lot of material both ways.
“You have coaches talking smack. I mean, the coaches are like, ‘Hey guys, don’t talk tonight.’ Nah, they’re like screw it, we say what we want — the two of them. Just the way it’s going to go. And those two young coaches are going to be in these programs for a while. We’re going to see some great games between these teams.”
Green Bay owns the NFC North after the matchup with a 9-3-1 record. Chicago dropped to 9-4.
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The two teams meet again in week 16.
