Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears., and NFL fans are buzzing. The star wide receiver’s recent comments about the Chicago Bears have reignited one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries. On December 17, 2024, during an appearance on the Up & Adams show, Adams made headlines by firmly rejecting the idea of ever playing for Chicago. His remarks, rooted in his dominant history against the Bears and the intense Packers-Bears rivalry, sparked heated reactions from fans, players, and analysts. This article dives into the context of Adams’ comments, the history of the rivalry, social media reactions, and what it means for the Bears moving forward.
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The Context Behind Davante Adams Takes a Swipe at the Bears.
Davante Adams, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, spent eight seasons (2014–2021) with the Green Bay Packers, the Bears’ arch-rivals. During a December 2024 interview on the Up & Adams show, host Kay Adams asked if he’d ever consider playing for Chicago. His response was blunt: “No. Never. 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.” He added, “Not to be disrespectful, it’s just naturally as a Packer, you hate the Bears.”
Adams’ comments reflect his deep ties to the Packers-Bears rivalry, one of the NFL’s fiercest, dating back to 1921. His time in Green Bay saw him dominate Chicago, with 88 receptions, 1,081 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. He explained that Packers players approached Bears games not worrying about winning but about how much they’d “go crazy” and set personal records. This mindset underscores the one-sided nature of the rivalry during his tenure, with Green Bay going 14–2 against Chicago from 2014 to 2021.
Why Adams’ Comments Hit Hard
Adams’ remarks weren’t just a casual jab. They tapped into a century-old feud and a painful reality for Bears fans: Chicago’s struggles against Green Bay. The Packers lead the all-time series 108–96–6 through 210 meetings. Adams’ dominance, paired with his outspoken loyalty to Green Bay, made his words sting. He also referenced a 2017 incident where Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit, leaving Adams unconscious. This event fueled his personal animosity toward Chicago, adding emotional weight to his comments.
Now with the Los Angeles Rams after stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, Adams’ remarks show how rivalries stick with players. His refusal to play for Chicago, even while joining struggling teams like the Jets, highlights the psychological barrier created by his Packers identity.
The Packers-Bears Rivalry: A Century of Bad Blood
The Packers-Bears rivalry is the NFL’s oldest, with over 100 years of history. Since 1921, the teams have clashed in iconic moments, from close games to controversial plays. During Adams’ time with Green Bay, the Packers dominated, winning 14 of 16 games against Chicago. Adams was a key part of this success, consistently torching Bears defenders with precise routes and clutch catches.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
- 2017 Trevathan Hit: On September 28, 2017, Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan’s helmet-to-helmet hit on Adams during a Thursday Night Football game at Lambeau Field left Adams unconscious. Trevathan was suspended, though the penalty was later reduced. Adams has cited this as a lingering source of resentment.
- Recent Bears Win: On January 5, 2025, the Bears snapped an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay with a 24–22 victory, thanks to a 51-yard field goal by Cairo Santos.
- Historical Context: The rivalry has seen 210 meetings, with Green Bay holding a slight edge. The intensity remains, fueled by moments like Adams’ comments and past clashes.
Adams’ Stats Against the Bears
| Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Packers Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 88 | 1,081 | 10 | 14–2 (2014–2021) |
Adams’ numbers show why he feels confident taking shots at Chicago. His 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns made Bears games a personal highlight reel.
Social Media and Fan Reactions
Adams’ comments exploded on social media, with fans and players from both sides weighing in. Posts on X captured the polarized sentiment:
- Packers Fans: Celebrated Adams’ loyalty, with comments like, “Adams stays loyal to Green Bay
.” - Bears Fans: Expressed outrage, calling Adams “arrogant” and “disrespectful.” Some fans posted memes, while others defended their team’s honor.
- Bears Players: Veteran safety Eddie Jackson shared a “we remember” story on social media, and rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon tweeted, “We’ll see about that,” hinting at motivation for future matchups.
Sports pundits also chimed in. ESPN analysts debated whether Adams was playing mind games or simply stating facts. Some praised his confidence, while others felt he should focus on his current team. The viral nature of his comments, trending on X, shows how NFL rivalries captivate audiences.
Why Adams’ Swipe Matters
Adams’ remarks do more than stir drama. They highlight the emotional and psychological stakes of NFL rivalries. For Bears fans, the comments sting because they reflect Chicago’s recent struggles. The Bears finished 2024 with a 5–12 record and haven’t had a winning season since 2018. Adams’ refusal to play for Chicago, even over other struggling teams, suggests a perception of the Bears as a less desirable destination.
However, his words could motivate the Bears. Players like Jackson and Gordon see them as “bulletin board material,” fueling their drive to prove doubters wrong. The Bears’ January 2025 win over Green Bay shows signs of progress, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams emerging as a cornerstone.
Impact on the Bears’ Future
Adams’ comments could have lasting effects:
- Motivation: The Bears’ young defense, led by players like Kyler Gordon and Gervon Dexter Sr., may use Adams’ words to fuel tougher play.
- Recruiting Challenges: Negative perceptions from high-profile players like Adams could make it harder for Chicago to attract top talent in free agency.
- Fan Engagement: The controversy keeps fans invested, with merchandise featuring Adams’ quotes popping up online.
The Bears’ Response: Silence and Action
The Bears organization hasn’t publicly responded to Adams’ comments, focusing instead on their rebuild. With new coaching staff, draft capital, and players like Caleb Williams, Chicago is working to change its narrative. The January 2025 victory over Green Bay is a step forward, but consistent success is needed to shift perceptions.
Signs of Hope for Chicago
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Rookie QB | Caleb Williams shows promise as a franchise quarterback. |
| Recent Win | January 2025 victory (24–22) ended an 11-game losing streak vs. Packers. |
| Defensive Growth | Young stars like Kyler Gordon and Gervon Dexter Sr. are improving. |
| New Coaching | Fresh coaching staff brings energy to the rebuild. |
These factors suggest the Bears are building toward a brighter future, but Adams’ comments remind them of the work ahead.
FAQ: Davante Adams Takes a Swipe at the Bears
What Did Davante Adams Say About the Bears?
Adams said he’d “never” play for Chicago, stating, “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.” He added that Packers players didn’t worry about winning against the Bears but about setting personal records.
Why Does Adams Dislike the Bears?
His dislike stems from his Packers tenure, where he dominated Chicago (88 catches, 1,081 yards, 10 TDs in 17 games). A 2017 helmet-to-helmet hit by Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan, which left Adams unconscious, also fueled his resentment.
How Did Bears Fans React?
Bears fans called Adams “arrogant” and “disrespectful” on social media, with some creating memes to defend their team. Others acknowledged Chicago’s struggles but expressed hope for a turnaround.
Did Any Bears Players Respond?
Yes, safety Eddie Jackson posted a “we remember” story, and cornerback Kyler Gordon tweeted, “We’ll see about that,” showing motivation to respond on the field.
Is the Packers-Bears Rivalry Still Intense?
Absolutely. Despite recent one-sided results, the rivalry, dating back to 1921, remains the NFL’s oldest, with 210 meetings and deep emotional stakes for players and fans.
Could Adams Face the Bears Again?
As a Ram, Adams could face Chicago in future inter-conference games. No matchup is scheduled for 2025, but NFL scheduling quirks make it possible.
Why This Matters for NFL Fans
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s more than trash talk. It’s a reminder of the passion, history, and pride that define NFL rivalries. For Bears fans, it’s a challenge to support their team’s rebuild. For Packers fans, it’s a nostalgic nod to past dominance. For neutral fans, it’s a spicy storyline that makes the NFL exciting. As the Bears work to reclaim respect and Adams continues his career with the Rams, this moment will linger, adding fuel to one of football’s greatest feuds.
What’s Next?
The Bears face pressure to prove Adams wrong with on-field success. Their next chance to face the Rams—and possibly Adams—depends on NFL scheduling. Until then, fans will keep the rivalry alive online, and Chicago’s players will carry Adams’ words into every game. Will the Bears rise to the challenge, or will Adams’ swipe remain a painful truth? Only time and the scoreboard will tell.
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