Chicago Bears DJ Moore: “I’m Not A Diva”

The Chicago Bears are on a four-game winning streak, their longest in seven years, and find themselves in the NFC playoff picture. Yet, amid the team’s success, a key offensive weapon has been quieter than expected. Star wide receiver DJ Moore, who was anticipated to be the focal point of the passing attack, has had a relatively slow start to the season. This has led to frustration from Moore and criticism from some corners of the fanbase.

DJ Moore Addresses the “Diva” Label

Despite the team’s 4-2 record, Moore’s production has not matched the explosive numbers he’s posted throughout his career. Through six games, he ranks second on the team in targets (31), catches (22), and receiving yards (258), with only one touchdown. His visible frustration on the field has led some to question his attitude and chemistry with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

On Thursday, October 23, Moore addressed these concerns head-on, sending a clear message to his critics.

“I hope everybody here knows I’m not a diva,” Moore stated. “Some of the fans might think I’m a diva, but you know, it is what it is. I just go out there and play my hardest every time.”

This statement is a direct response to the narrative that his on-field body language is a sign of selfishness. Moore is making it clear that his frustration stems from a competitive desire to contribute and win, not from a place of personal ego. For a player who has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in four of the last seven seasons, a slow start is naturally disappointing. His comments serve as a reminder that his passion for the game and his drive to produce are what fuel his emotions.

A Crowded Offense and a Developing QB

Moore’s statistical dip isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Bears have invested heavily in surrounding their young quarterback with offensive weapons, creating a scenario where the ball has to be spread around.

Second-year receiver Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has emerged as Williams’s favorite target, leading the team in every major receiving category. The Bears also spent a first-round pick on tight end Colston Loveland and a second-round pick on slot receiver Luther Burden III. When combined with established tight end Cole Kmet, the offense is loaded with pass-catching talent.

This wealth of options means that targets are more distributed than in years past. Head coach Ben Johnson, who came from a high-powered Detroit Lions offense, is tasked with integrating all these new pieces while simultaneously developing a young quarterback. Caleb Williams, despite his immense talent, is still learning to navigate an NFL offense and build a rapport with his receivers. This developmental process can be uneven, and it’s natural for a quarterback to lean on the receiver he has the most established chemistry with, which in this case appears to be Odunze.

As one analyst from The Athletic noted, “Moore isn’t winning any body language contests, but I think concerns about his rapport with Williams are overblown.” The visible miscues and frustrated gestures are likely growing pains as a young quarterback and a veteran receiver learn each other’s tendencies.

Is a Trade a Possibility?

The combination of Moore’s slow start, his frustration, and the emergence of other weapons has inevitably led to speculation about his future in Chicago. Some fans have wondered if the Bears might consider trading the 28-year-old receiver.

However, a trade seems highly unlikely for several reasons. First, Moore’s contract presents a significant hurdle. He carries a salary-cap hit of $28.5 million in each of the next three seasons, a number that would be difficult for another team to absorb.

More importantly, Moore remains an exceptional talent. Even with his reduced numbers, he is a proven No. 1 receiver who commands respect from opposing defenses. His presence on the field creates opportunities for other players, even when the ball isn’t going his way. Trading a player of his caliber, especially when the team is winning, would be a questionable move. The potential return, perhaps a fourth-round pick, would not justify the loss of such a dynamic player.

The Path Forward

DJ Moore’s message to the fans is a plea for understanding. He is a fierce competitor who holds himself to a high standard. His frustration is a byproduct of that competitiveness, not a sign of a bad attitude.

As the season progresses, it’s reasonable to expect the chemistry between Moore and Caleb Williams to improve. Quarterbacks and receivers often need time to get on the same page, and their connection should grow stronger with every practice and game. As Williams becomes more comfortable in the offense, he will likely learn to distribute the ball more evenly and find ways to get his most accomplished receiver more involved.

For now, the Bears are winning, and that remains the most important statistic. While Moore’s individual numbers may not be what he or the fans are used to, his impact on the offense goes beyond the box score. His veteran presence and the defensive attention he draws are invaluable. As long as he continues to play hard and the team continues to win, the “diva” narrative should fade, replaced by an appreciation for a top-tier competitor navigating a new role in a changing offense.