When you think of intense NFL rivalries, one that immediately comes to mind is the longstanding feud between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. This rivalry isn’t just about football; it’s personal. The Packers and Bears have been battling it out in the NFC North for over a century, and for players, it’s much more than just a game—it’s a point of pride. For former Green Bay Packers star Davante Adams, this rivalry is so ingrained in his career that it continues to influence his decisions, even after leaving the Packers.
Recently, during an appearance on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, the New York Jets wide receiver was asked whether he could ever see himself playing for the Chicago Bears. His response? Immediate, firm, and undeniably clear. “No. Never,” Adams said, almost humorously but with complete certainty.
This quick, almost reflexive answer was no surprise to anyone familiar with the depth of the Packers-Bears rivalry, especially from the perspective of a former Packer like Adams. But what followed was a deeper explanation of why Adams is so adamant about not playing for Chicago, even in the latter stages of his career.
A Look Back at the Packers-Bears Rivalry
Before we dive into Adams’ comments, it’s important to understand the context of the rivalry. The Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears aren’t just two teams in the same division—they are two franchises with a deep, storied history. The Bears, founded in 1919, were the original team of the NFL, and the Packers, founded a few years later, have since become one of the most successful teams in league history.
This rivalry has always been about more than just wins and losses; it’s about pride, legacy, and a fierce desire to outdo the other. Over the decades, both teams have had their share of dominance, but in recent years, the Packers have largely controlled the rivalry. Since the 1990s, the Packers have had a stronghold on the NFC North, and Adams, during his time in Green Bay, played an integral role in their success against the Bears.
Why Adams Won’t Play for Chicago
When asked about the possibility of playing for the Bears, Adams didn’t hesitate. “No, never,” he said, reiterating his stance when prompted to expand on his answer. While some might have expected a more diplomatic response, Adams left no room for ambiguity. So, why is he so adamant?
Adams explained, “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.” It was clear from his tone that this decision wasn’t about any personal dislike for the city itself, but rather the result of his history as a Packer, the fierce rivalry between the two teams, and the way he views his career moving forward.
As a future Hall of Famer with over a decade of experience in the NFL, Adams has had the privilege of playing with one of the league’s most storied franchises. His time in Green Bay saw him contribute to the Packers’ impressive 14-3 record against the Bears. That record, paired with the bitter history between the two teams, makes playing for the Bears a less-than-appealing proposition for Adams.
“It’s just naturally as a Packer, you hate the Bears,” Adams said. “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.” For Adams and his teammates, games against the Bears weren’t viewed as difficult matchups—they were seen as opportunities to rack up big numbers and set records.
This perspective reveals just how dominant the Packers have been against the Bears. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the ease with which the Packers handled Chicago, often treating matchups as games they could use to boost their own statistics and show their superiority.
The Bears’ Struggles and Adams’ Career
The deeper reason for Adams’ refusal to play for Chicago also lies in the Bears’ struggles over the past few decades. While Green Bay has been a playoff contender year after year, the Bears have fluctuated between mediocrity and outright dysfunction. Their failure to consistently field a competitive team is no secret, and for a player like Adams, who has had the privilege of playing with the Packers and now the Jets, the idea of joining a struggling franchise doesn’t hold much appeal.
Adams’ time with the Las Vegas Raiders was a short-lived experiment that didn’t quite meet expectations. Now, as a member of the New York Jets, he finds himself in a similar situation: a team in need of a major turnaround. It’s clear that Adams, who has already achieved so much in his career, wants to spend his remaining years with a team that has a real chance of competing for a championship. Playing for a team with a history of instability like the Bears simply doesn’t fit into those plans.
The Packers’ Legacy and Adams’ Personal Feelings
While much of Adams’ reluctance to play for the Bears stems from their struggles, it’s also deeply tied to his personal experience in Green Bay. The Packers-Bears rivalry wasn’t just a game for Adams; it was a part of his identity as a player. From his first season with the Packers to his final moments in Green Bay, Adams was a key figure in the Packers’ dominance over the Bears. For him, that rivalry was personal.
When asked about playing for the Bears, Adams wasn’t simply thinking about the franchise’s recent failures; he was reflecting on the years of success he enjoyed with the Packers. He was a part of something bigger than himself, and the idea of joining a team that had been on the wrong end of that dominance wasn’t something he could entertain.
“I will not be going to Chicago,” Adams reiterated. “Like I said, I respect everyone I play, but I’m not playing for the Bears, no.” His words were final, but they also underscored just how significant the Packers’ legacy is to him.
A Rivalry That Won’t Die
The Packers and Bears rivalry may be less competitive than it once was, but for players like Adams, it will never lose its significance. Even after moving on from Green Bay, Adams’ loyalty to the Packers and his disdain for the Bears remains as strong as ever. His comments about never playing for Chicago are a reminder that, in the world of the NFL, rivalries are more than just games—they are defining moments in a player’s career.
For the Bears, Adams’ words may sting, but they also highlight the importance of their team’s success moving forward. The Packers have shown how a franchise can dominate a rivalry, and for the Bears to change the narrative, they’ll need to build a team that can finally challenge the Packers’ supremacy.
As for Adams, his legacy is already cemented. Whether he spends his final years with the Jets or goes out with a bang, he’ll always be remembered for his role in one of the NFL’s most iconic rivalries. And for the Bears? Well, they’ll always be the team Adams refuses to join—and that, in itself, is a testament to the lasting power of this rivalry.
The Unbreakable Rivalry: Packers vs. Bears
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears rivalry is one of the oldest and fiercest in the NFL, stretching back to 1921. With 205 matchups between the two teams, it’s a rivalry that has defined the NFC North for over a century. As such, for players like Davante Adams, it’s more than just about winning a game—it’s about proving dominance over a hated division rival. Even after leaving Green Bay, Adams couldn’t escape the pull of that deep-rooted rivalry, and his quick refusal to entertain the idea of joining the Bears only underscores how personal the Packers-Bears matchup is for him. The rivalry isn’t just a thing of the past; it continues to shape perceptions and decisions, even among players who have moved on to different teams.
Adams’ Competitive Edge: Embracing the Green Bay Legacy
Davante Adams’ legacy in Green Bay is intertwined with the success and tradition of the Packers. Playing in one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, Adams consistently excelled in crucial games, particularly against the Bears. His role in helping the Packers secure a 14-3 record against Chicago speaks volumes about his significance in the rivalry. Adams’ career is a testament to the pride he took in being part of the Packers’ tradition and his desire to continue that legacy. With Green Bay, Adams wasn’t just another player; he was one of the faces of the franchise, helping to keep the Packers on top in the NFC North. For him, that legacy is untouchable, and playing for a rival that has been on the losing end for so long simply doesn’t resonate with him.
The Changing Landscape: How Rivalries Influence Player Decisions
Rivalries are often seen as a part of NFL culture, but in recent years, their impact has started to evolve. The emergence of free agency and the increasing number of player trades mean that even the most storied rivalries no longer guarantee that players will remain loyal to their teams for life. However, for players like Adams, these rivalries still carry significant weight. Even after leaving the Packers, Adams’ loyalty to the Green Bay franchise is evident. For him, the idea of joining the Bears isn’t just a matter of loyalty—it’s about maintaining a sense of pride and history. While other players may view their move to a new team as just another chapter in their careers, Adams’ comments reveal that rivalries can still influence decisions, even when the player isn’t directly involved in the battle anymore.
Adams’ Perspective on Competitiveness: Why He Views the Bears Differently
Adams’ comments about the Bears were clear—he doesn’t view them as a top-tier competitor in the NFL. For Adams, games against the Bears weren’t about intense competition or fear of defeat. Instead, they were opportunities for dominance. “We went into it just ready to steamroll them,” he recalled, highlighting how his Packers team viewed the Bears as an opponent they could overpower rather than one they needed to fear. This mentality is reflective of the broader Packers’ approach to the rivalry, as the team has long been seen as the more dominant force in the NFC North. For a player like Adams, who thrived in this environment, the idea of joining a team that had long struggled in comparison seemed unappealing.
Adams’ Last Chapter: What’s Next for the Veteran Wide Receiver?
As Davante Adams looks ahead to the final years of his NFL career, his future remains uncertain. With the New York Jets, he finds himself in yet another team trying to build a winning foundation. Despite the challenges, Adams’ focus is clear: he wants to leave the game with a legacy that reflects his success and contributions. His refusal to entertain the idea of playing for the Bears speaks to his desire to finish his career on his terms, surrounded by a team that shares his competitive fire. Whether the Jets are the team to help him do that remains to be seen, but Adams’ career has always been defined by his ability to perform at the highest level—and he’ll undoubtedly continue to push for that until the very end.
A Final Word: The Importance of Rivalries in Shaping NFL Careers
NFL rivalries have long played an important role in defining players’ careers, and Adams’ recent comments about the Bears serve as a reminder of just how significant these rivalries are. For Adams, the Packers-Bears rivalry is more than just a chapter in the history books—it’s a defining aspect of his football journey. Rivalries not only shape players’ performances on the field but also influence the way they view their future and legacy. As Adams continues to play out his final years in the NFL, the shadow of this rivalry will likely remain with him, reminding fans and players alike that some rivalries never truly fade, even when the players involved move on.
