Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson did not mince words after his team’s dramatic win over rival Green Bay Packers in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
“Hell yeah!” Johnson said to his team after the 31-27 win on Saturday, January 10 at Soldier Field. “F*** the Packers, man! F*** them!”
Johnson’s expletive against the Bears’ bitter rival inspired cheers from Bears players.
“You go into the tournament coming off the two losses, you look up at halftime in this game and it’s 21-3. No f***ing panic,” Johnson, 39, continued. “Built for pressure. That’s you guys!”
Bears’ Cole Kmet Reacts to Sister Dating Packers Player Ahead of Playoff Clash
He continued, “And that’s the first one! It’s what we had to do.”
The Bears — after falling behind early in front of their home crowd — turned the tide in the second half of the game, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to cap an 18-point comeback.
It’s the Bears’ first playoff win against the Packers since December 14, 1941, and their first overall playoff win since the 2010-11 season. (The Packers went on to end the Bears’ season that year in the NFC Championship.)
On Saturday, Johnson told the media after the game that he heard some “noise” coming from Green Bay this week and used that as motivation.
“There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear, players and coaches alike. So this one meant something to us,” Johnson said.
While Johnson didn’t clarify what specific “noise” he was referring to, Packers players and coaches were not shy in sharing their excitement for playing the Bears in the postseason.
Both Packers wide receiver Christian Watson and cornerback Keisean Nixon had said that they wanted to play the Bears in the playoffs, while Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley told reporters on Wednesday, “We are not going to be done, so I will see you guys next week,” implying an inevitable victory against the Bears.
He gave Packers coach Matt LeFleur a brief handshake after the game on Saturday, seemingly cutting it short in a moment that went viral on social media.
Back in the locker room, Johnson gave out three game balls. The first went to tight end Colston Loveland, who had eight catches for 137 yards in the win.
“So thankful to be here and for all you guys,” Loveland told his teammates. “Proud of everyone here. We have to keep this thing rolling, but let’s enjoy the s*** out of this.”
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat got the second game ball, and quarterback Caleb Williams got the third and final recognition.
“I said last night, you make your money in the regular season, and in the postseason your legacy and your name,” Williams said. “And so, that’s us. … I want to keep this s*** better. We have to f***ing get better.”
Simone Biles Kisses Husband Jonathan Owens Before Bears-Packers Playoff Game
Williams went on to praise his coach in an emotional speech to the team.
“Look at this guy right here,” Williams said of Johnson. “Everything he’s done for us as a coach, everything the other coaches have done for us and it started with him. … And for me personally, he’s been monumental in my life so far. And so, to his first playoff win as the Chicago Bears head coach.”
Johnson capped off the postgame celebration with another expletive-filled speech.
“Man, I’m so f***ing proud of you guys,” he said. “This is one you’ll never forget.”
