Saturday night at Soldier Field gave us another chapter in one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries - and this one had all the drama you could ask for, both on and off the field.
Two weeks after the Packers edged out a 28-21 win at Lambeau, the Bears flipped the script in front of their home crowd, storming back with 16 unanswered points to take a wild overtime win. But while the game itself was a thriller, the postgame moment between head coaches Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur might’ve been just as telling.
If you’ve been tracking this simmering sideline tension, you’ll remember that their handshake after the previous matchup was more frostbite than friendship. Saturday night?
Let’s just say things didn’t warm up. After the final whistle, Johnson appeared to brush past LaFleur without much more than a glance - a move that didn’t go unnoticed.
This isn’t just a random cold shoulder. There’s history here.
Back in January, during his introductory press conference as Bears head coach, Johnson made it clear he enjoys beating Matt LaFleur - a nod to his days as the Lions' offensive coordinator, when Detroit had Green Bay’s number. That comment clearly stuck with LaFleur, and the tension hasn’t exactly cooled since Johnson took over in Chicago.
Now, with the Bears sitting at 11-4 and the Packers at 9-5-1, this rivalry isn’t just personal - it’s pivotal. Chicago needs just one more win or another Packers loss to lock up the division. That’s not just bragging rights on the line; it’s playoff positioning, home-field advantage, and momentum heading into January.
And here’s the thing: rivalries like this are what make football great. It’s not just the hits and the highlights - it’s the emotion, the history, and yes, even the icy handshakes. Johnson and LaFleur may not be exchanging holiday cards anytime soon, but their mutual disdain is fueling a rivalry that’s suddenly red-hot again.
With the postseason looming, don’t be surprised if these two teams - and these two coaches - cross paths again. And if they do, buckle up.
Because the football will be fierce, and the postgame handshake? Well, don’t hold your breath.