NFL rivalries are part of what makes football so thrilling. The tension, the trash talk, and the on-field battles all build into unforgettable moments. But every now and then, things heat up off the field too and that’s exactly what happened when Davante Adams took a swipe at the Chicago Bears. Known for his outspoken confidence and elite performance on the field, Adams isn’t one to hold back. So when he took aim at one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, fans and analysts alike sat up and took notice.
Meet Davante Adams: NFL Star Wide Receiver
Before diving into the details of the jab, let’s get to know the man behind the headlines.
A Brief Background
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current Team (as of 2025): Las Vegas Raiders
- Former Team: Green Bay Packers
- College: Fresno State
- NFL Debut: 2014
- Accolades: 6× Pro Bowl, 3× First-team All-Pro
Davante Adams is widely considered one of the best wide receivers of his generation. Known for his precise route running, reliable hands, and explosive playmaking, Adams has dominated defensive secondaries for nearly a decade.
Adams and the NFC North
During his years with the Green Bay Packers, Adams frequently squared off against the Bears. That long-standing rivalry laid the foundation for the comments that recently made headlines.
The Moment: Adams Takes a Swipe at the Bears
The “Up & Adams” Show Incident
In December 2024, on the “Up & Adams” show with host Kay Adams, the question came up: “Would you ever play for the Chicago Bears?” Adams didn’t hesitate. “No. Never,” he said, doubling down with, “I’m not playing for the Bears, no.” The studio erupted in laughter, but his tone was serious.
What He Said Next?
Adams didn’t stop there. He shared how, as a Packer, he viewed Bears games: “We didn’t worry, ‘Are we gonna win?’ We were thinking, ‘Can I set a record? Can I score twice?’” He added, “Not to be disrespectful, it’s just naturally as a Packer, you hate the Bears.” These words stung Bears fans and thrilled Packers loyalists.
The Packers-Bears Rivalry: A Century of Bad Blood
A Historic Feud
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have clashed since 1921, making it the NFL’s oldest rivalry. With over 210 meetings, the series is tight Green Bay leads 108-96-6. Games are more than matchups; they’re cultural events fueled by pride and passion.
Why It’s Personal?
The rivalry transcends stats. Green Bay’s small-town charm contrasts Chicago’s gritty, blue-collar vibe. Legendary players like Walter Payton and Brett Favre have defined this feud. Adams’ swipe at the Bears taps into this deep-seated animosity, echoing sentiments shared by fans on both sides.
The Bears Just Got Burned by Davante Adams
Rooted in Dominance
Adams’ confidence isn’t baseless. From 2014 to 2021 with the Packers, he went 14-2 against the Bears, racking up 81 catches, 1,024 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. His 13-reception game in 2016 is a career highlight. For Adams, Chicago was a playground, not a challenge.
Loyalty to Green Bay
Even after leaving Green Bay in 2022, Adams’ Packers pride runs deep. His “never” comment scores points with Packers fans, who see it as loyalty. As he said, “It’s a Packer thing you hate the Bears.” This loyalty fuels his swipe, keeping the rivalry alive.
Career Strategy
At 32, Adams is picky about his final NFL years. He signed a two-year, $46 million deal with the Rams, praising coach Sean McVay for making him feel “wanted.” The Bears, with their rebuilding phase and quarterback uncertainties, don’t align with his Super Bowl goals. His swipe reflects a calculated choice.
The 2017 Hit: A Lingering Grudge
In 2017, Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Adams, knocking him unconscious. Adams was stretchered off, and Trevathan was suspended (later reduced to one game). Adams has never confirmed accepting Trevathan’s apology, and some believe this incident fuels his disdain.
Breaking Down Adams’ Comments
1. The “Never” Statement
Adams’ blunt “never” wasn’t just playful banter. It was a firm rejection of the Bears, rooted in rivalry and personal history. He clarified, I respect everyone I play, but emphasized Chicago isn’t a destination for his final years. This mix of respect and dismissal sparked heated reactions.
2. The Mindset Reveal
His most stinging remark. This implies the Bears weren’t a threat, a brutal jab for a team striving to rebuild respect in the NFC North. It’s a psychological edge, taunting opponents years later.
3. Subtle Digs
In a May 2025 radio interview, Adams said, “Chicago never had the answer for me.” This wasn’t a one-off. His comments consistently downplay the Bears’ competitiveness, reinforcing his dominance and the Packers’ edge during his tenure.
How Fans and Media Reacted?
1. Bears Fans: Outrage and Humor
Bears fans took to X, mixing frustration with memes. Some called Adams’ comments disrespectful, while others shrugged, admitting their team’s struggles. One X post quipped, Adams acting like the Bears are the JV squad. The silence from the Bears’ organization spoke volumes.
2. Packers Fans: Pure Joy
Packers fans ate it up. X posts like Davante stays loyal to GB went viral, with fans praising his “hate” for Chicago. Merch with his “never” quote popped up online within hours, proving his swipe became a cultural moment.
3. Media Frenzy
ESPN, CBS Sports, and blogs like Vents Magazine dissected Adams’ words. Some praised his honesty; others questioned if he was stirring drama for attention. The phrase “Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears” trended, fueling podcasts and debates.
The Impact on the Bears
1. A Motivational Spark
Adams’ comments could light a fire under the Bears. Players like safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Kyler Gordon hinted at retaliation on social media, posting “we remember” and we’ll see. The Bears’ 24-22 win over Green Bay on January 5, 2025, snapped an 11-game skid, suggesting a shift.
2. Recruiting Challenges
Top players like Adams prioritize winning. His swipe highlights the Bears’ struggle to attract veterans due to their inconsistent success. With only two playoff appearances since 2010, Chicago’s rebuild needs to show results to change perceptions.
3. Fanbase Morale
For Bears fans, Adams’ words sting but aren’t new. Past taunts, like Aaron Rodgers’ I still own you! in 2021, echo similar sentiments. Fans are split some use it as fuel, others feel deflated by their team’s narrative.
Adams’ Legacy in the Rivalry
A Bears Nemesis
Adams’ stats against Chicago 1,100+ yards, 11 touchdowns in 14 games cement him as a Bears killer. His 2016 game (13 catches, 132 yards) and multiple 100-yard performances haunt Chicago fans. His swipe is backed by undeniable dominance.
Beyond the Field
Adams’ words transcend stats. They’re part of the rivalry’s lore, like Rodgers’ taunts or Payton’s iconic runs. By keeping the feud alive, Adams ensures his name echoes in Packers-Bears history, even as a Ram.
What’s Next for Adams and the Bears?
Adams with the Rams
Now 32, Adams is thriving with the Rams, posting 85 catches and 1,063 yards in 2024. His focus is a Super Bowl, not NFC North drama. But if the Rams face the Bears, expect his comments to add spice.
The Bears’ Rebuild
Chicago’s 2025 season hinges on rookie QB Caleb Williams and a new coach. With $82 million in cap space and nine draft picks, they’re poised to improve. Adams’ swipe could motivate them to prove doubters wrong.
Future Matchups
The NFL’s inter-conference schedule means a Rams-Bears game is possible. If it happens, Adams’ comments will loom large, with Chicago’s secondary eager to contain him. Fans are already hyped for the potential showdown.
Why Rivalries Like This Matter?
1. Fueling Fan Passion
Rivalries like Packers-Bears are the NFL’s heartbeat. They create moments Adams’ swipe, Rodgers’ taunts that fans talk about for years. These storylines drive engagement, from X debates to packed stadiums.
2. Shaping Player Legacies
For players like Adams, rivalries define careers. His dominance over Chicago isn’t just stats; it’s a badge of honor. His swipe ensures he’s remembered as a Packer who “hated” the Bears, a legacy fans cherish.
3. Keeping the NFL Fun
Trash talk, like Adams’ swipe, adds spice to the game. It’s not just about scores; it’s about pride, history, and drama. Moments like these remind us why football captivates millions.
Pros and Cons of Adams’ Swipe
Pros
- Rivalry Fuel: Keeps the Packers-Bears feud alive, thrilling fans.
- Motivation: Could push the Bears to play harder and rebuild faster.
- Authenticity: Adams’ honesty resonates with fans who value passion.
- Media Buzz: Generates headlines, boosting NFL engagement.
Cons
- Fan Backlash: Risks alienating Bears fans and escalating tensions.
- Team Focus: Could distract from Adams’ current goals with the Rams.
- Perception: Some see it as unnecessary, given Chicago’s struggles.
Social Media Buzz: Fans React Online
1. Twitter Highlights
- “Davante Adams just gave the Bears locker room bulletin board material for the next 5 years.”
- “I don’t care who he plays for he’s the Bearslayer.”
2. Instagram Comments
- “Chicago needs to clap back on the field.”
- “He’s not even in our division anymore and still living rent-free.”
What Makes a Great Wide Receiver Like Adams?
To appreciate Adams’ confidence, it helps to understand what makes him so elite.
Key Skills:
- Route Running: Sharp, precise cuts that fool defenders.
- Hands: Reliable in traffic, rarely drops the ball.
- Football IQ: Reads defenses and adjusts routes mid-play.
- Separation: Can get open even when tightly covered.
The Psychology of Trash Talk in Sports
Trash talk isn’t just bravado it’s a psychological tactic. Players like Davante Adams use it to get into opponents’ heads, unsettle defenses, and boost their own confidence. Sports psychologists suggest that strategic trash talk can improve focus and performance, especially when backed up by results, as Adams has consistently done.
Media’s Role in Amplifying Rivalries
The media plays a huge role in making comments like Adams’ go viral. From sports talk shows to social media algorithms, soundbites are turned into headlines within minutes. This amplification creates hype, increases viewership, and often intensifies rivalries even across conferences or years after a player leaves a division.
Bears’ Rebuild: Can Chicago Flip the Narrative?
The Bears are in a rebuilding phase, with new coaching staff, young talent, and a fresh offensive strategy. While Adams’ comment reflects past dominance, Chicago is working to flip that script. With rising stars and a revamped defense, the Bears may use Adams’ swipe as fuel to reignite their competitive edge.
Could Adams Face the Bears in the Playoffs?
While unlikely, an inter-conference playoff matchup between the Raiders and Bears isn’t impossible. If both teams make postseason runs, fans could see this verbal jab lead to real on-field drama. The NFL thrives on storylines and this one would be a headline-maker from the first snap.
Conclusion
Davante Adams’ swipe at the Bears is more than a soundbite it’s a spark that reignites the NFL’s oldest rivalry. Rooted in his Packers dominance, personal history, and career goals, his “never” comment captures the passion of football. For Bears fans, it’s a challenge; for Packers fans, it’s a victory lap. As Adams chases a ring with the Rams and Chicago rebuilds, this drama reminds us why we love the NFL: it’s personal, intense, and endlessly entertaining.
