Davante Adams Takes a Swipe at the Bears: A Rivalry Reignited
The NFL is no stranger to fiery rivalries, but few carry the weight and history of the Green Bay Packers versus the Chicago Bears. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s not just a casual comment—it’s a spark that reignites a century-old feud. In December 2024, the star wide receiver, now with the Los Angeles Rams, made headlines with a bold statement on the “Up & Adams” show, declaring he would “never” play for Chicago. This article dives deep into why Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, the context behind his remarks, the historical rivalry, and what it means for the NFL’s most storied competition.
The Infamous Comment: What Did Davante Adams Say?
During a December 17, 2024, appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, host Kay Adams asked Davante Adams a seemingly innocent question: “Would you ever play for the Chicago Bears?” His response was anything but subtle. “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,” Adams said with a grin. He didn’t stop there, adding, “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.” When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears like this, it’s a calculated jab, rooted in years of dominance and personal history.
This wasn’t just trash talk—it was a declaration that echoed through the NFL community, reigniting debates and fueling fan reactions. Social media platforms, especially X, exploded with responses, from Bears fans feeling disrespected to Packers fans cheering Adams’ loyalty to their cause. But why does Davante Adams take a swipe at the Bears with such conviction? To understand, we need to explore his history, the rivalry, and the broader implications.
The Packers-Bears Rivalry: A Century of Animosity
The Packers-Bears rivalry, dating back to 1921, is the NFL’s oldest and most storied feud, with over 210 meetings. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he’s tapping into a legacy of grit, pride, and Midwest supremacy. During his eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2014–2021), Adams was a central figure in this saga, consistently torching Chicago’s secondary. His stats against the Bears are staggering: 88 catches, 1,081 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. These numbers underscore why Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears with such confidence—he’s earned the right to boast.
The rivalry has seen its share of lopsided eras, and the 21st century has largely belonged to Green Bay. From Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have dominated, with a 14-2 record against the Bears during Adams’ tenure. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s not just personal; it’s a reflection of this historical imbalance. His comments evoke memories of Green Bay’s relentless victories at Soldier Field, where Adams often turned games into his personal highlight reel.
Why Davante Adams Takes a Swipe at the Bears
So, what drives Davante Adams to take a swipe at the Bears so publicly? Several factors come into play:
1. Loyalty to Green Bay
Adams spent his formative NFL years with the Packers, forging a deep connection with the team and its fans. His time in Green Bay, paired with his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, created a legacy of dominance, particularly against Chicago. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s a nod to Packers fans, reinforcing his allegiance to the green and gold, even after moving to the Raiders, Jets, and now the Rams.
2. A Career at a Crossroads
At 32, Adams is in the twilight of his career. After signing a two-year, $46 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams in March 2025, he’s focused on chasing a Super Bowl. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s partly a reflection of his career priorities. Chicago, still in a rebuilding phase with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a franchise searching for stability, doesn’t align with his goal of joining a proven contender.
3. The Rivalry’s Lasting Impact
NFL rivalries shape players’ identities, and the Packers-Bears feud is no exception. Even after leaving Green Bay, Adams carries the rivalry’s intensity. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s a reminder that these emotions linger, even across team changes and conferences. His refusal to consider Chicago isn’t just about the team’s current state—it’s about the history he lived through, dominating the Bears year after year.
4. Media Amplification
The media plays a significant role in magnifying comments like these. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, outlets like ESPN and NFL.com dissect every word, turning a single quote into a week-long storyline. This amplification adds fuel to the rivalry, ensuring that Adams’ words resonate far beyond the initial interview.
The Bears’ Response: Fuel for the Fire
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it doesn’t go unnoticed in Chicago. Bears players, while not directly responding as of July 2025, have shown competitive fire on social media. Veteran safety Eddie Jackson posted a cryptic “we remember” story, and rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon tweeted, “We’ll see about that.” These subtle replies suggest that Adams’ words have struck a chord, potentially motivating the Bears’ young roster to prove him wrong.
The Bears, under head coach Matt Eberflus, are in the midst of a rebuild. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and players like Luther Burden III are part of a promising core, but the team’s 2024 season was marred by an eight-game losing streak. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it highlights the franchise’s challenges in attracting elite veterans and shedding its reputation as a struggling organization. However, it also serves as a potential rallying cry for a team eager to flip the narrative.
The Impact of Adams’ Comments
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it does more than stir fan debates—it shapes the NFL’s narrative. Here’s how:
1. Reigniting the Rivalry
Adams’ comments add a new chapter to the Packers-Bears saga, ensuring it remains a focal point of NFL discussions. Even though Adams now plays for the Rams, his words keep the rivalry alive, setting the stage for future matchups, whether against the Raiders, Rams, or a potential Packers reunion.
2. Motivating the Bears
Public criticism can be a powerful motivator. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it could inspire Chicago’s players to channel their frustration into performance. A breakout season from Caleb Williams or a strong defensive showing could silence critics like Adams and signal a new era for the franchise.
3. Shaping Adams’ Legacy
Adams’ swipe cements his role as a villain in Chicago and a hero in Green Bay. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he’s not just talking trash—he’s carving out a place in rivalry lore, alongside legends like Walter Payton and Bart Starr.
4. Fan Engagement
NFL fans thrive on moments like these. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it sparks heated debates on X, Reddit, and sports talk shows. Merchandise with Adams’ quote appeared online within hours, proving that his words resonate beyond the field.
The Bigger Picture: Rivalries in the NFL
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s a reminder of why rivalries matter in the NFL. They create narratives that transcend stats, turning games into cultural events. The Packers-Bears feud, with its century-long history, is a testament to the enduring power of competition. Adams’ comments, while stinging for Bears fans, are part of the sport’s fabric—moments that make fans tune in, argue, and cheer louder.
Compared to modern rivalries like Chiefs vs. Ravens, the Packers-Bears matchup carries a unique weight. It’s not just about playoff implications; it’s about pride, history, and identity. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he’s not just targeting a team—he’s engaging with a legacy that defines the NFL.
Conclusion
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s more than a soundbite—it’s a spark that reignites one of football’s greatest rivalries. His comments, rooted in years of dominance and personal history, highlight the passion and intensity of the Packers-Bears feud. For Chicago, it’s a challenge to rise above criticism and rebuild a franchise that can compete with the NFL’s elite. For Adams, it’s a testament to his legacy as a player who not only excelled on the field but also embraced the emotional weight of the game. As the Bears and their rivals prepare for future clashes, one thing is clear: when Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, the NFL world listens, and the rivalry burns brighter than ever.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly did Davante Adams say about the Bears?
A: On the “Up & Adams” show in December 2024, Adams said he would “never” play for the Bears, adding that during his Packers tenure, they never worried about winning against Chicago but focused on how dominant they’d be.
Q2: Why does Davante Adams take a swipe at the Bears?
A: Adams’ comments stem from his dominance over the Bears during his eight years with the Packers, his loyalty to Green Bay, and his career focus on joining contenders rather than rebuilding teams like Chicago.
Q3: How have Bears fans reacted to Adams’ comments?
A: Bears fans have expressed frustration and anger on social media, with some calling his remarks disrespectful, while others see them as a challenge for the team to prove him wrong.
Q4: Has any Bears player responded directly to Adams?
A: As of July 2025, no Bears players have issued direct public responses, but players like Eddie Jackson and Kyler Gordon have posted subtle, competitive messages on social media.
Q5: How successful was Adams against the Bears?
A: In 17 games against Chicago, Adams recorded 88 catches, 1,081 yards, and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his consistent dominance in the rivalry.
Q6: Where is Davante Adams playing now?
A: After stints with the Raiders and Jets, Adams signed a two-year, $46 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams in March 2025.
Q7: Could Adams’ comments impact future Bears games?
A: His remarks could motivate the Bears’ roster to play with extra intensity, especially in future matchups against the Rams or Packers, while also fueling fan engagement.
