The Green Bay Packers are still reeling from one of the most painful playoff defeats in recent years. The Packers looked to be cruising to a first-round victory over the rival Chicago Bears, as they led 21-3 heading into halftime. The Bears ultimately outscored the Packers 28-6 to pick up a 31-27 victory.
The talk after the game was about the actions and comments of Bears head coach Ben Johnson. There was the short handshake he shared with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Then there were his comments during the Bears' locker room celebration, in which he yelled, "F--- the Packers." Yeah, the Packers fanbase has their new villain in Johnson.
On Monday, Packers safety Xavier McKinney was asked about Johnson's actions and comments after the Bears' victory.
"He's a troll, so it's cool. I'm just not a troll. So I don't know, that's just him. But he's a hell of a coach, though," McKinney said, via The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.
Xavier McKinney calls Ben Johnson a 'troll' after Bears head coach's postgame actions
Let's just say that Johnson has added more fuel to the Bears vs. Packers rivalry heading into next season. That first meeting in the 2026 season is going to be heated.
Johnson also spoke to reporters on Monday, as the Bears prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. Johnson was asked about his "F--- the Packers" comments, and he said he had spoken with team owner George McCaskey and said that there were no issues. Johnson simply said that he doesn't like the Packers.
"I don't like that team. George and I have talked, and we're on the same page," said Johnson.
Johnson was also asked if he has any beef with LaFleur. Johnson said, "This is a rivalry. The city of Chicago, Green Bay — it needs to be a rivalry."
Oh, Packers fans can only imagine what the reaction will be like once the Bears are on the losing end next season. Johnson has embraced the role of villain in Green Bay for the sake of rivalry, even during his introductory press conference. LaFleur even said that he had no idea why Johnson took a shot at him and the Packers in the introductory press conference. Add Johnson's actions and comments since the playoff matchup, and that makes their next meeting that much more intriguing.
There has been some uncertainty surrounding LaFleur, but recent reporting indicates that the Packers are trying to negotiate a contract extension with the sideline boss. Will turnabout be fair play for LaFleur if he does defeat Johnson next time around?
For the sake of everyone's interest in the rivalry, let's make this a season-opening game, NFL.