Former Bears RB Reignites Rivalry Between Johnson and LaFleur

Matt Forte unleashes scathing criticism of the Packers and praise for Bears coach Ben Johnson's combative approach.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has doubled down on the growing rivalry between Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Forte unleashed a scathing critique of the Packers, praising Johnson's combative approach and saying 'F' em' when it comes to the longtime NFC North foes.

Why it matters

The Bears-Packers rivalry is one of the most storied in the NFL, and Johnson's brash approach has reignited the animosity between the two teams. Forte's comments add fuel to the fire, signaling that the 'F--the Packers' era of Bears football has arrived.

The details

Johnson's terse handshake with LaFleur after the Bears' NFC Wild Card victory over the Packers was just the latest chapter in a rivalry that has been simmering since Johnson's introductory press conference last year, when he expressed his enjoyment in beating LaFleur. Forte, a former Bears running back, has now weighed in, unleashing a scathing critique of the Packers and praising Johnson's combative approach.

  • In January 2025, Ben Johnson was hired as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.
  • On January 14, 2026, the Bears defeated the Packers in the NFC Wild Card round.

The players

Ben Johnson

The current head coach of the Chicago Bears, known for his combative approach to the team's rivalry with the Green Bay Packers.

Matt LaFleur

The current head coach of the Green Bay Packers, who has been on the receiving end of Johnson's brash behavior.

Matt Forte

A former running back for the Chicago Bears, who has publicly supported Johnson's approach to the Packers rivalry.

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What they’re saying

“'F' em. Forget them. The fact that they were being all butthurt about it is hilarious to me. For years, y'all were on the winning side. Now the tide has turned. If you got a problem with it, do something about it.”

— Matt Forte, Former Chicago Bears Running Back (Hoge and Jahns show)

What’s next

The Bears and Packers are expected to continue their heated rivalry in the upcoming season, with the two teams set to face off in several key divisional matchups.

The takeaway

The Bears-Packers rivalry has been reignited by the combative approach of head coach Ben Johnson, who has not shied away from his disdain for the Packers. With the support of former Bears star Matt Forte, the 'F--the Packers' era of Bears football has officially arrived, setting the stage for a renewed and intense battle between the two NFC North foes.