The Packers and the Bears have a long history going back to 1921. Chicago fans would clearly remember Aaron Rodgers yelling, “I still own you!” in their direction after scoring a game-sealing touchdown in 2021, and there have been quite a few intense encounters over the years. Apart from players getting in on the action, those who watched the two teams in the 80s would recall how Mike Ditka (Bears) and Forrest Gregg (Packers) had several heated exchanges, with players often mirroring their fiery attitudes. The rivalry has simmered down a little over the years, with the Packers dominating proceedings between the two, but the arrival of Ben Johnson in Chicago may have reignited the spark.

In January, the Bears hired the former Lions OC as their new head coach. Johnson began his tenure in Detroit in 2019, the same year Matt LaFleur took over as the Packers’ HC. LaFleur posted a 5-1 record against the Lions from 2019 to 2021. However, over the last three seasons, the Lions have flipped the script, going 5-1 against Green Bay, including season sweeps in both 2022 and 2024. So, when Johnson sat down for his introductory press conference, he took a dig at LaFleur.

“I’m gonna be quite frank with you. I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” he said. Maybe, he was appealing to the Bears crowd, and LaFleur didn’t respond to this, until now…

On Monday, the Packers HC had a candid conversation recently on the podcast Bussin’ With The Boys hosted by Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. On the show, Compton and Lewan asked LaFleur, “Do you have beef with Coach Johnson?” LaFleur, ever the good sport, laughed and said, “I was waiting for this. I don’t know Ben Johnson. I respect him as a football coach. He did a nice job.” However, Compton and Lewan were not backing down, and doubled down asking, “But if you don’t know him, why is it tight in here?”

LaFleur responded, “It’s not tight. I’m not tight. I thought the press conference was interesting, but I don’t have beef with him. I don’t get into all this stuff.” The questions didn’t stop.

He was asked whether he would send eye emojis to Johnson after a win. “I don’t have his number, so that won’t happen,” LaFleur said, laughing. LaFleur was then asked, “Would you Jim Harbaugh him after a game?” referencing the infamous 2011 incident when the then 49ers coach got too aggressive with a handshake to the Lions coach Jim Schwartz and the pair had to be separated.

However, LaFleur is in no mood to replicate Harabaugh’s antics. “No. I would never do that,” he answered, adding that he probably doesn’t have the strength to do something like that.

Since 1992, the Packers are 51-16 against the Bears, while LaFleur has an 11-1 record against his NFC North rivals. However, the Bears did manage to get the better of Green Bay in their last encounter, ending their long losing streak against them.

Bears rallied for a stunning win over the Packers last time out

Having beaten Chicago in November to extend their dominance, the Packers seemed to be the favorites when they met at Lambeau Field in January. However, the Bears’ defense came up big, forcing two turnovers with Cairo Santos making a 51-yard field goal as time expired.  Quarterback Caleb Williams led the Bears with a composed performance, completing 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards.

The Packers were hurt by injuries to QB  Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson in the second quarter as the Bears ran out 24-22 winners. This was their first win over the Packers since 2018.

Whether it’s Matt LaFleur vs Ben Johnson or anyone else, NFL rivalries are never going out of style, and we are going to be following them with as much interest as a Super Bowl matchup or a locker room controversy. Whether these playful banters between two coaches will turn into a more heated rivalry as the new season arrives remains to be seen.