That single word ignited headlines across the sports world, proving that even in a league as ever-changing as the NFL, some rivalries remain eternal. Davante Adams, one of the league’s most decorated wide receivers, recently made it very clear: he would never play for the Chicago Bears. With a smirk and no hesitation, his statement sent a jolt through Packers fans, Bears loyalists, and sports analysts alike.
But was it just another spicy soundbite in a long off-season? Or did it reveal something deeper about the mindset, loyalty, and legacy of one of the NFL’s premier pass-catchers? As Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it opens a larger conversation — not just about a rivalry, but about how certain matchups shape careers, cultures, and fanbases.
The Making of Davante Adams: From Fresno to the Football World
Long before he was one of the most feared receivers in the league, Davante Lavell Adams was a standout athlete at Palo Alto High School in California. Known for his speed, agility, and vertical leap, he excelled in both football and basketball, showcasing a level of athleticism that caught the attention of collegiate scouts.
He committed to Fresno State, where he would go on to form a lethal connection with quarterback Derek Carr. Over just two seasons, Adams compiled a staggering 3,031 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns — numbers that would make him a second-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2014.
Initially, Adams was a work in progress. The transition from college to the pros wasn’t seamless, but the Packers’ coaching staff and Aaron Rodgers believed in his potential. That belief paid off. By 2016, Adams had become a central figure in the Green Bay offense, and over the next several seasons, he would earn multiple Pro Bowl selections and break franchise records once held by the likes of Sterling Sharpe and Jordy Nelson.
But Adams didn’t just catch passes. He defined matchups — and few were more important to him than those against the Chicago Bears.
Packers vs. Bears: The Oldest Rivalry in the NFL
Before diving into why Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s important to understand the weight of this rivalry.
The Packers–Bears rivalry is the oldest in the NFL, dating back to 1921. With over 200 meetings between the two teams, this isn’t just a geographical rivalry — it’s historical, cultural, and deeply personal. Each franchise holds multiple championships, legacies built by legends like Bart Starr, Walter Payton, Brett Favre, and Brian Urlacher.
For players in Green Bay or Chicago, you don’t just play each other — you battle for bragging rights that last generations. The games are circled on calendars months in advance. And for Davante Adams, it was no different.
From his rookie season through his final year in Green Bay, Adams made the Bears one of his favorite targets. In 14 career games against Chicago, he racked up over 1,100 receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Few teams saw him celebrate in their end zone more than the Bears did — and he never forgot it.
A Career Built on Dominance — Especially Against the Bears
While Adams consistently delivered elite performances across the league, his games against the Bears became almost ritualistic showings of excellence.
Take, for example, the 2020 season. In two games against Chicago that year, Adams tallied 13 catches for 156 yards and 3 touchdowns — helping the Packers win both matchups convincingly. In 2016, he broke off a 75-yard touchdown that left defenders grasping at air. His crisp routes, impeccable timing with Rodgers, and end zone production made him Chicago’s nightmare.
So when Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it’s not empty talk — it’s backed by cold, hard numbers.
Even analysts and defensive coordinators began to anticipate his presence as a game-wrecker. “You know he’s coming. You prepare. And yet, it doesn’t matter,” one former Bears DB coach was quoted as saying in 2021.
The “Never” Heard Around the NFL
In June 2025, Adams appeared on FanDuel TV and was asked a playful, but pointed question: “Would you ever play for the Chicago Bears?”Without hesitation, Adams laughed and replied, “Never.”
He followed up:
“No disrespect. But my last days in this league will not be in Chicago. I respect everyone I play with, but I’m not playing for the Bears.”
This wasn’t just a personal preference — it was a declaration. It instantly trended across social media and was replayed on ESPN, NFL Network, and countless podcasts. While some fans dismissed it as simple loyalty to his Packers roots, others viewed it as a rekindling of a classic rivalry.
Once again, Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears — and the internet takes notice.
Loyalty in a League That Often Lacks It
What makes Adams’ remarks so compelling is the rare loyalty they reflect.
In today’s NFL, where trades, free agency, and shifting alliances are commonplace, players rarely speak with this kind of permanence. Adams, now with the Los Angeles Rams after a stint with the Raiders and reconnecting briefly with Carr in New York, still holds that Green Bay loyalty close.
It’s rare. And fans admire it.
His comment is reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers, who once said, “There are a few teams I just wouldn’t play for. Chicago is one of them.” The rivalry goes beyond touchdowns and tackles — it’s an identity.
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he reinforces that identity.
The Bears’ Response: Fuel for the Fire
Adams’ comment didn’t go unnoticed by Chicago players and fans.
Veteran safety Eddie Jackson posted a cryptic Instagram story: “We remember everything.”
Cornerback Kyler Gordon, when asked in an offseason interview, smirked and said: “We’ll be ready. Don’t worry.”
Chicago’s fans also took to social media to respond, with posts ranging from memes to fiery rebuttals. Some mocked Adams’ playoff performances, while others pointed to the Bears’ new crop of young talent, vowing the tide would soon turn.
But trash talk has always been part of this rivalry. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he’s not just provoking — he’s playing his part in a drama that keeps the NFL passionate and alive.
More Than Just a Comment — It’s a Legacy Statement
It’s easy to misinterpret Adams’ “Never” as just another off-the-cuff remark, but in reality, it ties directly into his career ethos: excellence, intensity, and unwavering competitive spirit.
This mindset carried him to:
- 5× Pro Bowl selections
- 3× All-Pro honors
- Over 10,000 career receiving yards
- Dozens of highlight-reel moments, many against top-tier defenses
In each of these milestones, Adams remained humble yet confident. His Bears comment wasn’t arrogance — it was authenticity.
Why Rivalries Still Matter in the Modern NFL
The league has changed. Player movement is rapid. Fans jump from one jersey to another in fantasy leagues. But rivalries like Packers vs. Bears endure because they represent more than just wins — they represent legacy.
As Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he taps into a culture that values loyalty, consistency, and history.
In doing so, he joins a pantheon of athletes who didn’t just play the game — they lived its stories.
What’s Next for Adams — and the Bears
Now playing for the Rams, Adams is still an elite force. He may not see the Bears on a yearly basis anymore, but his comments have ensured that whenever they do meet, it will be appointment viewing.
For the Bears, his comments are bulletin-board material. Expect defensive backs to prepare harder, fans to jeer louder, and the media to keep replaying that “Never” clip whenever these teams face off.
Because when Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, it isn’t just words. It’s a challenge. And the NFL loves a good challenge.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Bigger Than Football
Davante Adams’ legacy will eventually be measured in yards, touchdowns, and Super Bowl rings. But moments like this — the unscripted, honest, rivalry-fueled statements — are what make him unforgettable.
When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears, he isn’t just insulting a franchise. He’s reminding the world of what football is meant to be: passionate, personal, and gloriously competitive.
And for fans of the game, that’s exactly what keeps Sundays sacred.
