Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears with some brutally honest comments that have NFL fans talking. I’ve watched the NFL for years, and nothing quite compares to the intensity of the Packers Bears rivalry.
When a star player speaks their mind about a rival team, it’s always worth paying attention. Especially when that player is one of the best wide receivers in the league.
What Did Davante Adams Say About the Bears?
In December 2024, during an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, Davante Adams made his feelings crystal clear when asked if he would ever consider playing for the Chicago Bears.
His response?
A quick and decisive “No.”
When the host pushed further, asking if he would never play for the Bears, Adams doubled down with an emphatic “Never.”
He didn’t stop there, adding:
“Look, I’m not playing too much longer as it is, so on my last days in this league, after all I’ve been blessed with, I will not be going to Chicago. I respect everyone I play, but I’m not playing for the Bears. No.”
Strong words from a player who spent eight successful seasons with the Green Bay Packers before moving to the Las Vegas Raiders and then the New York Jets.
Record Chasing Not Rivalry Respect
The most eye opening part of Adams’ comments came when he revealed how the Packers approached games against Chicago during his tenure there.
“Back in the day, being a Packer playing the Bears, we didn’t go into that game ever worrying about are we gonna win the game. We were thinking about how crazy we were gonna go in the game.”
Let that sink in.
Adams continued:
“Like, can I set a record? Can I score twice? It was like that type of feel.”
Acknowledging that his words might come across as disrespectful, he added:
“Not to be disrespectful, it’s just naturally as a Packer, you hate the Bears. And we have respect for every team we play, but you just don’t respect them to the level of, you know, they’re a top tier team that can compete with us.”
“So we went into it just ready to steamroll them and hopefully have the best game of the year.”
The Stats Back Up His Talk
Are these just the boastful words of a former rival, or is there truth to Adams’ claims?
The numbers tell the story:
- During Adams’ time with the Packers (2014-2021), Green Bay went 13-3 against Chicago
- Adams personally racked up 81 receptions for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games against the Bears
- He recorded 4 games with 100+ receiving yards and 3 games with multiple receiving TDs
Those stats certainly support the idea that Adams and the Packers dominated this rivalry during his tenure.
A Rivalry Written in NFL History
The Packers Bears feud is the NFL’s oldest rivalry, dating back to 1921. It’s steeped in history and geographic proximity, with generations of passionate fans fuelling the fire.
Adams’ comments follow in the footsteps of other Packers stars who’ve made dismissive remarks about the Bears.
Most notably, quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously shouted “I still own you!” to Bears fans at Soldier Field in October 2021 after scoring a touchdown.
These moments transcend the game itself, becoming part of the rich tapestry of the rivalry’s lore.
How Fans Reacted to Adams’ Comments
The reaction to Adams’ words split predictably along team lines.
Packers supporters loved it, enjoying the continued “dunking” on their rivals even after Adams had left Green Bay.
Bears fans, meanwhile, dismissed Adams, questioning why they should care about the opinion of a player nearing the end of his prime.
Many pointed to what they saw as hypocrisy: Adams refused to consider the Bears while willingly joining the Raiders and Jets, franchises that have also struggled in recent years.
What This Means for the Chicago Bears
Beyond the banter, some analysts suggest Adams’ comments might reflect a wider negative perception of the Bears organisation within the league.
The public and emphatic nature of his refusal, combined with the Bears’ documented struggles (a 4-10 record and an eight game losing streak around the time of his comments), could signal how players view the franchise.
For a team trying to rebuild and attract talent, such high profile dismissals could potentially impact their image and attractiveness to future free agents.
FAQs About Davante Adams and the Bears
Why does Davante Adams dislike the Bears so much?
Adams spent eight formative years with the Green Bay Packers, where the intense rivalry with the Bears is deeply ingrained in team culture. His comments reflect the “Packer mentality” towards their historic rivals.
Could Adams actually end up playing for the Bears despite his comments?
While anything is possible in the NFL, Adams was emphatic in his refusal, stating “Never” when asked if he would consider playing for Chicago. Given his career stage and strong stance, it seems highly unlikely.
How good was Adams against the Bears during his career?
Very good. In 16 games against Chicago with the Packers, Adams recorded 81 catches for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping Green Bay to a 13-3 record in those matchups.
Are Adams’ comments unusual for NFL players?
Not for this rivalry. The Packers Bears feud has a long history of players making bold statements. Aaron Rodgers’ famous “I still own you” taunt to Bears fans in 2021 is another recent example.
Does Adams refuse to play for any other teams?
There’s no public record of Adams categorically refusing to play for any team other than the Bears. His stance seems specific to Chicago due to the rivalry from his Packers days.
The Rivalry Continues
Even years after leaving Green Bay, Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears that shows how deeply NFL rivalries can shape a player’s identity. The Packers Bears feud clearly remains significant to Adams, influencing his perspective and public statements long after changing uniforms.
Whether you see his comments as honest rivalry talk or unnecessary disrespect likely depends on which side of this historic football divide you stand on.