Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears in a recent interview that has NFL fans buzzing across social media, adding another chapter to the league’s oldest and most storied rivalry.
The Unfiltered Interview That Got Everyone Talking
During a December 17, 2024 appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, host Kay Adams asked six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams a straightforward question: would he ever consider playing for the Chicago Bears?
His response was immediate and emphatic:
“No. Never.”
The studio erupted with laughter, but Adams wasn’t joking. He doubled down with conviction:
“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.”
This wasn’t just a casual preference – it was a statement deeply rooted in one of sports’ greatest rivalries.
Who Is Davante Adams? A Superstar’s Journey
Before diving into the rivalry drama, it’s worth understanding who Davante Adams is and why his comments carry weight:
- Selected by Green Bay in the 2nd round (53rd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft
- Three-time All-Pro (2020, 2021, 2022)
- Six consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2017-2022)
- Led the NFL in receiving touchdowns (2020)
- Fifth among active players in career receiving yards (11,844)
- Second among active players in career receiving touchdowns (103)
- Recently signed a two-year, $46 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams
According to Pro Football Reference, Adams has caught 957 passes for 11,844 yards and 103 touchdowns over his career, establishing himself as one of the elite receivers of his generation.
The Bears-Packers Rivalry: 100+ Years of Bitter History
The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers share the NFL’s oldest and most intense rivalry, dating back to 1921 when the Bears were still known as the Chicago Staleys.
According to Wikipedia, the two teams have faced each other 210 times (most in NFL history) through January 2025, with Green Bay holding a slight 108-96-6 edge.
What makes this rivalry special?
- Longevity: They’ve played each other every season since 1921 (except 1922 and 1982)
- Geography: Just 200 miles separate the two cities
- Championships: Combined 22 NFL championships between them
- Hall of Famers: 77 combined Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees
- Cultural Impact: Divides communities and families throughout the Midwest
For players who spend significant time with either franchise, this rivalry becomes part of their DNA – something Adams clearly demonstrates.
“We Didn’t Worry About Winning”: The Ultimate Disrespect
What made Adams’ comments particularly stinging wasn’t just his refusal to join the Bears. It was his follow-up explanation about his time with the Packers facing Chicago:
“Playing the Bears, we didn’t worry, ‘Are we going to win the game?'” Adams explained on the show. “We were thinking about how crazy we were gonna go in the game. ‘Can I set a record? Can I score twice?'”
According to Acme Packing Company, Adams further elaborated: “Not to be disrespectful, it’s just naturally it’s a Packer thing—you hate the Bears.”
He continued: “We have respect for every team we play, but you just don’t respect them to the level of ‘they’re a top tier team that can compete with us’.”
That’s the ultimate disrespect in professional sports—not even considering your opponent worthy of concern.
The Stats Support His Confidence
When Adams talks so dismissively about the Bears, he’s not just talking trash—he’s backed by impressive personal statistics:
According to StatMuse, across 17 career games against Chicago, Adams racked up:
- 88 receptions
- 1,081 receiving yards
- 10 touchdowns
During Adams’ tenure with Green Bay (2014-2021), the Packers enjoyed remarkable dominance over Chicago, going 14-2 in those matchups.
This personal success against one team helps explain why Adams feels so comfortable dismissing them so casually.
Recent Developments in the Rivalry
While Adams was speaking from his experiences, the Bears-Packers dynamic has seen some recent changes.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears finally snapped an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay on January 5, 2025, when Cairo Santos made a 51-yard field goal as time expired to give Chicago a 24-22 victory.
This victory might represent the beginning of a shift in the rivalry, especially with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams developing in Chicago and changes on both teams.
Adams’ Career Path After Green Bay
Since leaving the Packers in 2022, Adams’ journey has been interesting:
- Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2024): Signed a five-year, $141 million contract but requested a trade midway through the 2024 season
- New York Jets (2024): Reunited with former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers for 11 games
- Released: The Jets released Adams in March 2025 after failing to find a trade partner
- Los Angeles Rams (2025-present): Signed a two-year deal worth $46 million with $26 million guaranteed
Despite these team changes, his feelings about Chicago remain unchanged.
NFL Analysts Praise Adams’ Latest Move
While Adams’ comments about the Bears made headlines, his recent signing with the Rams has generated significant positive attention from NFL experts.
According to ESPN, analyst Matt Bowen called the Rams signing Adams “the best free agency move this offseason,” noting that “he’s an upgrade over Cooper Kupp” and “can win one-on-one as the ‘X’ receiver.”
NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha listed the acquisition as the third best move of the 2025 offseason so far, highlighting how well Adams should fit in Sean McVay’s offense alongside Puka Nacua.
Why NFL Players Hold Onto Rivalries
What makes players like Adams maintain such strong rivalry feelings even after switching teams?
Sports psychologists suggest several factors:
- Identity Formation: Players develop their professional identity with their first team
- Cultural Indoctrination: Teams actively promote rivalry mentality in their culture
- Performance Reinforcement: Success against a rival creates lasting positive associations
- Fan Connection: Players build bonds with fan bases through shared “enemies”
For Adams, who spent his formative NFL years dominating the Bears with Green Bay, these feelings run deep.
Will the Bears Soon Turn the Tables?
Despite Adams’ dismissive comments, there are signs Chicago might finally be changing its fortunes:
- Rookie QB Caleb Williams shows promise as a franchise cornerstone
- Their January 2025 victory ended an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay
- Significant draft capital and free agent signings suggest an accelerated rebuild
- New coaching staff bringing fresh energy to the organization
While Chicago finished just 5-12 in the 2024 season, the NFL landscape can shift quickly.
The Legacy of Great NFL Rivalries
Rivalries like Bears-Packers are what make sports special.
They create storylines that span generations.
They give games meaning beyond just wins and losses.
They connect today’s players with legends of the past.
And most importantly, they spark emotional responses from both players and fans that keep everyone invested year after year.
- Also Read: Brandon Aiyuk Rams Sideline Scuffle.
FAQs About Davante Adams and the Bears
Why does Davante Adams dislike the Bears so much?
Adams spent eight formative years with the Packers (2014-2021), where the team culture includes a deep-seated rivalry with Chicago. Going 14-2 against them during his tenure reinforced this sentiment, making it part of his professional identity.
Could Adams ever end up with the Bears despite his comments?
While nothing is impossible in professional sports, Adams was emphatic in his rejection. At 32 years old and with his new contract with the Rams, it seems highly unlikely he would reverse course on such a strong public stance.
How successful was Adams against the Bears statistically?
According to StatMuse, Adams recorded 88 catches for 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games against Chicago, demonstrating consistent dominance in the rivalry.
Where is Adams playing now after leaving the Jets?
After being released by the Jets in March 2025, Adams signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams worth $46 million, with $26 million guaranteed, as reported by NFL.com.
Have any Bears players responded to Adams’ comments?
As of publication, no current Bears players have publicly responded to Adams’ remarks, though the comments have generated significant discussion among fans and media.
What was the context of Adams’ interview?
Adams appeared on the “Up & Adams” show hosted by Kay Adams on December 17, 2024, where they discussed various topics including his career, the Packers organization, and his feelings about the Bears.
What is the current state of the Bears-Packers rivalry?
The Bears finally broke an 11-game losing streak against the Packers with a 24-22 victory on January 5, 2025. According to official records, Green Bay leads the all-time series 108-96-6 through 210 meetings.
The Power of NFL Rivalries Continues
Rivalries in sports create the kind of raw emotion and honest reactions that fans crave.
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he’s participating in a tradition that dates back over a century.
His comments might seem harsh to Chicago fans, but they represent the authentic passion that makes the NFL’s oldest rivalry so compelling.
As both franchises continue evolving, this storied feud ensures that Bears-Packers matchups will remain must-see TV for generations to come.