By Jessica Matthews 
What pushes a superstar like Davante Adams to publicly declare one team completely off-limits? His “never playing for Chicago” bomb wasn’t just talk. We’re dissecting the real story behind why Davante Adams takes a swipe at the Bears.
Here’s the breakdown, keeping it sharp and valuable.
You’ve likely seen the headlines. Davante Adams, one of the elite receivers in the game, drawing a hard line in the sand about the Chicago Bears.
He didn’t just hint. He slammed the door shut. “Never,” he said.
Why such a strong stance?
Is this just smack talk rooted in one of the NFL’s oldest feuds? Or is there more simmering beneath the surface?
Let’s dissect it properly.
The Exact Moment Davante Adams Shut Down the Bears Idea
It went down on the “Up & Adams” show, hosted by Kay Adams, back in December 2024.
The question was simple: “Davante, any chance you’d ever play for the Chicago Bears?”
His answer wasn’t. It was instant. Forceful.
- He shot back with “No”.
- Then, immediately, “Never”.
- Just to be crystal clear, he added: “Never…I will not be going to Chicago…I’m not playing for the Bears. No”.
There’s zero ambiguity there. He slammed that door, locked it, and threw away the key.
His stated reason? The career clock is ticking.
He mentioned being 31, not planning to play “too much longer,” and deciding his final NFL chapters wouldn’t be written in Chicago. Fair enough on the surface.
He gave the usual nod – respect for opponents – but quickly clarified it doesn’t mean wanting to join their ranks.
But let’s be honest. It felt like more than just age talking. When Davante Adams takes a swipe at the bears like that, using words like “never,” it usually runs deeper.
You can get a sense of the show’s vibe around that time on the Up & Adams YouTube channel segment from December 17, 2024.
Unpacking the “Why”: The Towering Shadow of the Packers-Bears Rivalry
You absolutely cannot ignore Adams’ history here. Eight seasons wearing the Green Bay Packers’ green and gold.
That’s not just any team; it’s the arch-nemesis of the Chicago Bears. This isn’t a casual rivalry; it’s arguably the most historic and bitter feud in the NFL. It’s baked into the culture of both teams, as detailed in analyses like this one on the facts about the Packers-Bears rivalry. The intensity surrounding these teams is always high, reflecting the intense scrutiny within the NFL.
Adams didn’t just witness it; he was a central figure.
He spoke openly about the Packers’ mindset going into those games during his era. It wasn’t fear; it was dominance.
He said they weren’t thinking, “Are we gonna win?”. They were thinking, “How much are we gonna win by?”.
His focus shifted to personal milestones: “Can I set a record? Can I score twice?”. That speaks volumes about the perceived gap between the teams at the time.
He even used the word “hate” – acknowledging it’s just natural for a Packer. While respecting them as opponents, he suggested they weren’t seen as a team that could genuinely compete with Green Bay back then.
And look at his performance against Chicago. The man feasted.
- Consistently High Yardage: Multiple games over 100 yards.
- Touchdown Machine: Double-digit scores against them in his career.
- High Catch Volume: Often targeted heavily and successfully.
His personal dominance reinforced that feeling of superiority. That history is a massive factor when Davante Adams takes a swipe at the bears.
Beyond the Rivalry: Adams’ Calculation and Bears’ Current Reality
Okay, the rivalry is a huge piece. Loyalty to his former Green Bay teammates and fans likely matters too. Stating he’d never play for the Bears definitely scores points with the Packers faithful.
But let’s consider the business and career side.
The Chicago Bears, let’s face it, have been navigating some choppy waters. Rebuilds, quarterback questions, searching for consistent success.
Adams, in his early thirties with a highly productive career (view Davante Adams’ career stats on StatMuse), might be prioritizing a Super Bowl window or at least stable, winning football. Does Chicago look like that destination right now compared to other potential landing spots?
His comments imply maybe not. He wants his final years to count.
Interestingly, some Bears fans weren’t even mad. Online discussions showed a segment acknowledging the team’s situation and understanding why a player of Adams’ calibre, at this stage, might look elsewhere.
Now, the elephant in the room: Adams was playing for the New York Jets when he said this – a team facing its own significant struggles.
That led to some calling his comments hypocritical. “Easy to diss the Bears when your own house isn’t exactly in order,” was the sentiment from some corners.
It’s possible his focus was simply ruling out a specific past rival perceived as struggling, rather than a broader commentary on all teams.
Ultimately, it’s likely a blend: the deep-seated rivalry, combined with a pragmatic assessment of where the Bears are now, solidified his stance.
The Sound of Silence: Chicago’s Reaction (or Lack Thereof)
Adams makes waves. How does the Bears organisation respond?
They didn’t. Complete radio silence.
No press release. No coach firing back. No player subtweets (at least, none highlighted).
Smart play? Probably.
- Engaging fuels the fire.
- It gives weight to comments from a former rival.
- Why get dragged into a public spat over one player’s personal preference?
Staying quiet lets it blow over faster.
The fans, however, definitely had their say. The reaction was all over the place, reflecting the passion and frustration surrounding the team:
- Understanding Resignation: “Yeah, he’s probably right about our current state.”
- Rivalry-Fueled Anger: “Typical Packer arrogance! Good riddance!”
- Defensiveness: “Like the Jets are any better? We don’t want him anyway!” This often comes from a place of deep fan loyalty – pride in your team runs deep, even when acknowledging recent struggles.
- Dismissal: Focusing on his age or potential contract demands.
It shows how comments like these touch nerves tied to team performance, history, and pride.
Quick Hits: FAQs on Adams vs. Bears
Q1: Did Davante Adams say anything positive about the Bears?
A: He mentioned respecting the players he competes against, but this was framed within his overall refusal to play for the team itself.
Q2: Is this purely about the Packers-Bears rivalry?
A: It’s a massive factor, likely the biggest. But his comments about his career stage and the likely desire to play for a contender suggest current team perception also plays a part.
Q3: Could Adams change his mind about the Bears in the future?
A: He used the word “never” multiple times, indicating a very firm stance. While things can change in the NFL, his statement was about as definitive as it gets.
Q4: What does this say about the Bears franchise?
A: Adams’ comments reflect a perception, influenced by rivalry and recent performance. While stinging for fans, it highlights the challenges the team faces in attracting top-tier veterans at certain career stages.
Q5: How important are player comments like these?
A: They generate headlines and fan discussion. While one player’s opinion doesn’t define a franchise, comments from respected figures like Adams can shape narratives and reflect broader perceptions within the league.
So, the Davante Adams takes a swipe at the bears story isn’t just noise.
It’s a potent mix of deep-rooted rivalry, personal history, career calculation, and a brutally honest assessment from a star player.
It’s a reminder of how much the past – and the present – shapes decisions in the high-stakes world of the NFL.