When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, the NFL world pays attention. In a December 2024 interview that sent shockwaves through social media, the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver made headlines by declaring he would “never” play for the Chicago Bears—even on his “last days in this league.” The comment, delivered with unflinching conviction on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show, instantly reignited one of sports’ most storied rivalries and revealed the deep-rooted competitive fire that still burns in the NFL’s oldest feud.
Now thriving with the Los Angeles Rams in 2025 with an NFL-leading 14 touchdowns through 12 games, Adams’ rejection of Chicago isn’t just about personal preference—it’s a testament to his identity forged in Green Bay’s winning culture and years of dominance over their division rivals. This comprehensive analysis examines what Adams actually said, why his words carry such weight, and what they reveal about the current state of the Packers-Bears rivalry.
What Exactly Did Davante Adams Say About the Bears?
During his appearance on FanDuel’s “Up & Adams” show in mid-December 2024, host Kay Adams posed a straightforward question to the wide receiver: Would he ever consider playing for the Chicago Bears? Adams’ response was immediate and unambiguous:
“No. Never. 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.”
The clarity and conviction in Adams’ tone amplified the impact of his words. This wasn’t trash talk delivered in anger—it was a statement of allegiance, a declaration of identity, and an affirmation of the cultural divide that has separated these two franchises for over a century. The moment quickly went viral, generating millions of views across social media platforms and dominating sports talk shows for days.
The Packers Mindset: How Green Bay Viewed the Bears
Adams didn’t stop with his personal declaration. He pulled back the curtain on how the Green Bay Packers actually approached games against Chicago during his tenure from 2014 to 2021, revealing a mindset that will sting Bears fans even more than his initial comments:
“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.”
This revelation cuts deeper than any single-game trash talk. Adams essentially confirmed what Bears fans feared: during Green Bay’s dominant stretch, Chicago wasn’t viewed as a legitimate threat but rather as a guaranteed victory—a chance to pile on statistics and highlights. The comment reflects a brutal competitive reality that the Bears organization has been fighting to overcome.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Adams’ Dominance Against Chicago
Davante Adams’ swipe at the Bears isn’t empty bravado—it’s backed by devastating on-field performance. During his eight seasons with Green Bay (2014-2021), Adams transformed Bears defensive backs into a highlight reel for his career achievements:
Career Statistics vs. Chicago Bears
Overall Record: 14 wins in 16 games against Chicago (87.5% win rate)
Receiving Yards: 1,024 yards across 14-16 matchups
Receptions: 81 catches for consistent offensive production
Touchdowns: 10 touchdowns scored against Chicago’s secondary
Average Performance: Roughly 64 yards and 0.6 touchdowns per game
These statistics paint a picture of systematic dominance. Adams didn’t just beat the Bears occasionally—he consistently exploited their defensive weaknesses, turning Soldier Field and Lambeau Field into personal playgrounds. For a player of his caliber, these numbers represent not just success but ownership of a matchup that should have been more competitive given the rivalry’s storied history.
Understanding the Packers-Bears Rivalry: The NFL’s Oldest Feud
To fully grasp why Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears with such conviction, one must understand the century-long rivalry that shaped his NFL identity. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears represent the NFL’s oldest continuous rivalry, dating back to 1921—a competition older than the Super Bowl itself.
Historic Rivalry Facts
First Meeting: 1921, making it the NFL’s longest-running rivalry
Total Games: 210+ meetings over 100+ years
All-Time Series: Green Bay leads 108-96-6
Recent Dominance: Packers won 20 of 25 games from 2011-2021
2025 Update: Bears snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 24-22 victory on January 5, 2025
The rivalry encompasses legendary coaches like Vince Lombardi and George Halas, iconic players from both franchises, and moments that defined NFL history. When Adams says he “naturally” hates the Bears “as a Packer,” he’s channeling decades of competitive animosity that transcends individual players. This cultural rivalry is passed down through generations, creating an institutional memory that shapes how players view the matchup even after they leave Green Bay.
Why Adams’ Comments Matter in 2025
The timing and context of Adams’ remarks add layers of significance to his swipe at the Bears. In March 2025, Adams signed a lucrative two-year, $46 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, reuniting with head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford. His decision to join a rebuilding Rams team while emphatically rejecting even the hypothetical possibility of playing for Chicago speaks volumes about the Bears’ current perception among elite NFL talent.
Adams’ 2025 Season Success
Despite being 32 years old, Adams is experiencing a career renaissance with the Rams:
Leading the NFL: 14 touchdowns through 12 games (as of late November 2025)
Red Zone Dominance: Rams’ red zone efficiency jumped from 25th to 6th in NFL after signing Adams
Career Milestone: Surpassed 12,000 career receiving yards in Week 2 of 2025
Winning Streak: Rams on a 6-game winning streak averaging 33.2 points per game
Team Record: 9-2 through Week 12, positioning for playoff contention
Adams’ immediate impact demonstrates he made the right career choice. His comments about Chicago reflect a player who prioritizes winning culture, organizational competence, and championship aspirations—areas where the Bears have historically struggled during his NFL career. The fact that he’s willing to play for a Rams team that went 10-7 in 2024 but draws a hard line at Chicago reveals his perception of each franchise’s trajectory and culture.
Fan Reactions: A Divided NFL Community
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, the NFL community’s reaction splits predictably along team loyalty lines, creating viral social media moments and heated debates across sports platforms.
Packers Fans’ Perspective
Green Bay supporters celebrated Adams’ comments as validation of their team’s superiority. Social media exploded with Packers fans sharing Adams’ statistics against Chicago, memes highlighting the lopsided rivalry, and nostalgic highlights from his dominant performances. Many viewed his rejection of Chicago as loyalty to the Packers culture that developed him into a superstar, reinforcing the idea that “once a Packer, always a Packer.”
Bears Fans’ Response
Chicago fans displayed mixed reactions ranging from frustration to grudging respect. Some dismissed Adams’ comments as irrelevant, pointing out that the Bears wouldn’t want an aging receiver anyway. Others acknowledged the painful truth behind his words, recognizing that the franchise’s struggles during his prime years created this perception. A vocal minority even admitted admiring his honesty, noting that genuine rivalries require this level of emotional investment from players.
Neutral Observers’ Take
NFL fans without stakes in the rivalry largely viewed the moment as pure entertainment. Media analysts praised Adams for providing authentic storylines in an era often dominated by corporate-speak and carefully managed public relations. The moment reminded viewers that despite analytics and business considerations, personal rivalries and competitive fire remain central to the NFL’s emotional appeal. Several commentators noted that the Bears’ silence in response—with no players or coaches offering rebuttals—spoke louder than any formal statement.
The Bears’ Current Rebuilding Phase
While Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears based on their past struggles, the franchise is attempting to rebuild its reputation and competitiveness under new leadership. The 2025 season represents a potential turning point for Chicago, though significant challenges remain.
Hope for the Future
Quarterback Development: Caleb Williams represents the most promising QB prospect in franchise history
Defensive Talent: Young playmakers like Kyler Gordon and Gervon Dexter Sr. show potential
Recent Victory: Ending an 11-game losing streak to Green Bay demonstrates competitive improvement
Front Office Changes: New management approach focusing on modern NFL strategies
However, changing perceptions among elite free agents like Adams requires sustained success. Winning a single game against Green Bay doesn’t erase a decade of dominance. The Bears must demonstrate consistent playoff contention, develop a winning culture, and create an environment where top-tier talent actively wants to play. Until then, comments like Adams’ will continue to sting because they reflect a reputation the franchise desperately wants to shed but hasn’t yet earned the right to dismiss.
What This Means for the Rivalry’s Future
The significance of Davante Adams taking a swipe at the Bears extends beyond one player’s opinion—it represents the current power dynamics in the NFL’s oldest rivalry and sets stakes for future matchups.
Motivational Fuel
For Bears players, Adams’ rejection serves as bulletin board material and competitive motivation. Comments like these can galvanize a locker room, providing external validation that the team has something to prove. Young Bears defenders who will face elite receivers throughout their careers now have Adams’ words echoing in their minds—perfect fuel for proving doubters wrong.
Narrative Pressure
The Packers face their own pressure to maintain the standard Adams described. Current Green Bay players must live up to the dominance he characterized, or risk criticism for allowing the rivalry to become more competitive. Aaron Rodgers’ famous “I still own you!” comment to Bears fans set a similar standard that future Packers quarterbacks must attempt to uphold.
Long-term Legacy
Adams’ comments will be remembered as part of the rivalry’s rich tapestry of memorable moments. Like Jay Cutler’s controversial tenure, Rodgers’ taunts, or historic playoff matchups, this moment adds another chapter to a story that spans over 100 years. Future documentaries about the Packers-Bears rivalry will likely feature Adams’ declaration as emblematic of Green Bay’s dominance during the 2010s and early 2020s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Davante Adams play for the Bears?
No, Davante Adams has never played for the Chicago Bears. He spent 2014-2021 with the Green Bay Packers, 2022-2024 with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, and signed with the Los Angeles Rams in March 2025. His December 2024 comments made clear he would never consider playing for Chicago, even at the end of his career.
What did Davante Adams say about the Chicago Bears?
Adams stated on the “Up & Adams” show: “No. Never. I’m not playing 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 also revealed that during his Packers tenure, Green Bay never worried about beating Chicago—they only thought about how dominant they’d be.
How many touchdowns does Davante Adams have in 2025?
Through 12 games of the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Rams, Davante Adams leads the NFL with 14 touchdowns. This marks his first time reaching double-digit touchdowns since 2022 and demonstrates his continued elite performance at age 32.
Who won the Packers-Bears game in 2025?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-22 on January 5, 2025, snapping an 11-game losing streak against their division rivals. Cairo Santos kicked a 51-yard field goal at the buzzer to secure the victory, marking a significant moment for Chicago fans who had endured years of Packers dominance.
What is Davante Adams’ career record against the Bears?
During his time with the Green Bay Packers (2014-2021), Adams compiled 14 wins in 16 games against Chicago, accumulating 81 receptions for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns. This 87.5% win rate and consistent production exemplify his systematic dominance over the Bears’ secondary.
Why does Davante Adams hate the Bears?
Adams clarified that it’s not personal hatred but cultural allegiance formed during his Green Bay years. He stated: “Not to be disrespectful, it’s just naturally as a Packers player you hate the Bears.” This reflects the institutional rivalry passed down through Packers culture, where disliking Chicago is part of the team’s identity and competitive mindset.
Is Davante Adams still playing in the NFL?
Yes, Davante Adams is currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year, $46 million contract signed in March 2025. At 32 years old, he remains one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers, leading the league in touchdowns through Week 12 of the 2025 season while helping the Rams maintain a 9-2 record.
How old is the Packers-Bears rivalry?
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears rivalry dates back to 1921, making it 104 years old as of 2025. It is the NFL’s oldest continuous rivalry, featuring 210+ meetings across more than a century. The rivalry predates the Super Bowl era and includes legendary coaches, players, and moments that shaped professional football history.
Did the Bears respond to Davante Adams’ comments?
No. The Chicago Bears organization, coaching staff, and players maintained complete silence following Adams’ December 2024 comments. This contrasts with previous instances where Bears figures responded to provocations, such as Aaron Rodgers’ famous “I still own you!” taunt. The lack of response may indicate the franchise’s focus on rebuilding rather than engaging in verbal feuds.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Adams’ Declaration
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he does more than generate headlines—he crystallizes the current state of one of sports’ most enduring rivalries. His emphatic rejection of Chicago, backed by years of dominant performances and delivered with unwavering conviction, represents both a personal statement and a broader narrative about institutional culture, competitive standards, and the emotional investment that makes NFL rivalries compelling.
For the Bears, Adams’ comments serve as a painful reminder of recent struggles but also as potential motivation for a franchise attempting to reclaim respectability. For the Packers, his words affirm a winning culture that developed multiple Hall of Fame-caliber players. For Adams himself, now thriving with the Rams while leading the NFL in touchdowns at age 32, the comment demonstrates that success and loyalty to competitive standards matter more than any individual team’s interest.
As the 2025 season progresses with Adams excelling in Los Angeles and the Bears building around Caleb Williams, this moment will remain a defining chapter in the Packers-Bears rivalry. Whether Chicago can eventually change perceptions among elite free agents depends on sustained success—the kind of winning that Adams experienced during his Green Bay years and now pursues with the Rams.
The rivalry continues, emotions remain high, and Davante Adams’ declaration ensures that future matchups carry the weight of his words. In a league increasingly driven by analytics and business decisions, moments like these remind us that football remains a sport fueled by pride, competition, and the unshakeable bonds formed between players and the organizations that shape their identities.