When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, the NFL world pays attention. In December 2024, the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver delivered one of the most brutally honest comments in recent memory, declaring he would never play for the Chicago Bears—not even on his “last days” in the league. The statement instantly went viral, reigniting one of football’s oldest and most intense rivalries.
What Did Davante Adams Say About the Bears?
During an appearance on Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show in December 2024, the star receiver was asked a straightforward question: Would he ever consider playing for the Chicago Bears? His response was unequivocal and stinging.
“On my last days in this league, after all I’ve been blessed with, I will not be going to Chicago,” Adams stated firmly. He continued with even more pointed commentary about the mindset he and his Green Bay teammates had when facing Chicago.
“Playing the Bears, we didn’t worry, ‘Are we going to win the game?’ We were thinking about how crazy we were going to go: ‘Can I set a record? Can I score twice?'” Adams explained, revealing the Packers’ dominant mentality.
The wide receiver clarified that while he respects all opponents, the Bears simply weren’t viewed as elite competition during his Green Bay tenure.
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
Adams’ confidence isn’t baseless—it’s backed by devastating statistics that tell the story of complete dominance. During his eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2021, the numbers paint a clear picture:
- Team record against Bears: 14-2
- Adams’ personal stats vs. Chicago: 81 receptions for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns
- Average performance: His per-game numbers against the Bears exceeded his career averages
These statistics transformed Soldier Field into what many called Adams’ personal playground, with the receiver consistently tormenting Chicago’s secondary whenever the division rivals met.
Why This Comment Matters
The Timing Was Everything
The significance of Adams’ remarks extends beyond simple trash talk. At the time of his comments, the 32-year-old receiver was playing for the struggling New York Jets after being traded from the Las Vegas Raiders. He had reunited with former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though the partnership wasn’t producing the expected results.
Despite his current team’s struggles, Adams drew a firm line at Chicago—showing that his feelings about the Bears organization run deeper than just avoiding a losing franchise.
The Oldest Rivalry in the NFL
The Packers-Bears rivalry dates back over a century, making it the NFL’s longest-running and most storied competition. When Adams speaks about the rivalry, he’s tapping into generations of competitive fire, pride, and animosity that defines the NFC North.
This isn’t just another player making controversial comments—it’s a reflection of the cultural divide between two franchises with vastly different recent trajectories.
The Fan Reaction Exploded
Bears Fans Fire Back
Chicago supporters didn’t take the insult quietly. Social media erupted with Bears fans calling Adams “cocky” and accusing him of dwelling on past glory. Many pointed out that he no longer plays in the division and questioned why he continues taking shots at their team.
Veteran Bears safety Eddie Jackson responded with a pointed social media post, while rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon tweeted that they would remember Adams’ words.
Packers Fans Celebrate
Green Bay faithful reveled in Adams’ honesty, viewing his comments as a vindication of their franchise’s sustained excellence. To many Packers fans, Adams simply stated facts about a rivalry that has been one-sided in recent years.
Neutral Observers Divided
Sports analysts and neutral fans found themselves split. Some praised Adams’ confidence and authenticity, appreciating that he didn’t offer the typical athlete’s diplomatic non-answer. Others argued that his comments were unnecessarily disrespectful and unprofessional for a player no longer involved in the division.
The Context: Bears Franchise Struggles
Adams’ harsh assessment coincides with a difficult period for the Chicago Bears organization. At the time of his comments, the Bears were 4-10 and heading toward another losing season. The franchise hasn’t had a winning season since 2018 and has made the playoffs just twice in the last twelve years.
The organizational instability—with multiple coaching changes and quarterback struggles—provides the backdrop for why elite players like Adams view Chicago as an undesirable destination.
Beyond Trash Talk: Cultural Allegiance
What makes Adams’ comments particularly powerful is that they transcend typical rivalry banter. His rejection of Chicago wasn’t made in anger but in conviction, reflecting a deep cultural allegiance to the Packers organization that shaped his identity as a player.
“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,” Adams explained, revealing the psychological aspect of the rivalry.
Media Frenzy and Headlines
The moment Adams’ comments hit the airwaves, sports media outlets raced to cover the story:
- ESPN analysts debated whether Adams was playing mind games or simply being honest
- Twitter trending topics featured the story for days
- Sports podcasts dedicated entire segments to dissecting the implications
- Merchandise featuring Adams’ quote appeared online within hours
The viral nature of the comments demonstrates how much the public craves authentic, unfiltered moments in an era of carefully managed athlete personas.
Impact on Future Matchups
Though Adams now plays in the AFC with the Raiders, NFL scheduling ensures that inter-conference matchups will eventually occur. When the Raiders face Chicago next, the Bears’ defensive backs will carry the weight of Adams’ words into the game.
For the Bears, these comments serve as bulletin-board material—the kind of disrespect that can fuel motivation in the locker room. Chicago’s defensive players have made it clear they won’t forget Adams’ assessment.
The Bigger Picture: Respect in the NFL
Adams’ rejection highlights a harsh reality about professional sports: elite players want to play for winning organizations. His willingness to play for other struggling teams like the Jets while drawing a hard line at Chicago suggests that organizational culture and recent history matter deeply to veterans choosing their destination.
For the Bears, changing this perception requires sustained success on the field. Winning erases old stigmas. Consistent contention shifts narratives. Until that happens, the franchise must grapple with being viewed as a destination elite players actively avoid.
What This Means for the Bears’ Future
Chicago is banking on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a defensive rebuild to change the franchise’s trajectory. The presence of exciting young talent offers hope that the Bears can reclaim respect within the NFC North.
However, Adams’ comments serve as a wake-up call about how the organization is currently perceived by elite NFL players. Building a winning culture takes time, consistency, and sustained success—elements the Bears have struggled to maintain in recent years.
Legacy of the Comment
Years from now, when fans reflect on the Packers-Bears rivalry, Adams’ “never” comment will be remembered alongside other iconic moments. It’s the kind of authentic, emotionally charged statement that transcends statistics and game film.
For Adams personally, these remarks cement his role not just as a great receiver, but as a defining figure in this historic NFC North saga. His legacy includes Pro Bowls, All-Pro honors, and clutch playoff performances—but his dominance over the Bears holds a special place in the rivalry’s lore.
Conclusion: Rivalry Alive and Well
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it reminds us that rivalries remain the lifeblood of professional football. In an era of player movement, salary caps, and business decisions, the raw emotion of century-old feuds still matters.
Adams’ unfiltered honesty—whether viewed as confidence or arrogance—gives fans the kind of authentic drama that makes sports compelling. His words will echo through locker rooms, sports studios, and living rooms for years to come.
The ball is now firmly in Chicago’s court to prove Adams, and recent history, wrong. Until the Bears start winning consistently—especially against Green Bay—they’ll have to live with being the team that elite players simply “don’t consider.”
That harsh reality is what makes Adams’ swipe so powerful, and why it struck such a nerve across the NFL landscape.
Quick Summary
Davante Adams went viral after saying he would “never” play for the Chicago Bears, reigniting the historic Packers–Bears rivalry.
Backed by dominant career stats—including 10 TDs and over 1,000 yards vs Chicago—Adams explained the Packers never viewed the Bears as real competition.
His remarks sparked outrage among Bears fans, support from Packers fans, and widespread national media coverage.
