The fallout from the Chicago Bears’ stunning playoff comeback against the Green Bay Packers has poured gasoline on one of the NFL’s oldest and most intense rivalries. After a fiery postgame celebration that saw Bears head coach Ben Johnson make profane comments about the Packers, Green Bay safety Xavier McKinney has responded, adding another layer of intrigue to the teams’ next matchup.
Green Bay Packers Xavier McKinney On The Postgame Comments
The controversy began in the Bears’ locker room following their 31-27 Wild Card victory, a game in which they overcame a 21-3 halftime deficit. In a video that quickly went viral, Johnson was captured yelling, “F— the Packers! F— them! F—ing hate those guys,” during the team’s celebration. The comments, along with a brief, icy handshake with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, immediately became a major talking point.
On Monday, McKinney was asked about Johnson’s outburst and offered a candid assessment of the Bears’ coach.
“He’s a troll, so it’s cool. I’m just not a troll,” McKinney told reporters. “So I don’t know, that’s just him. But he’s a hell of a coach, though.”
McKinney’s “troll” label perfectly captures the sentiment of many Packers players and fans who felt Johnson’s actions were classless and designed to provoke a reaction. While acknowledging Johnson’s coaching prowess, McKinney drew a clear line between his own professional demeanor and Johnson’s more confrontational style.
Johnson Doubles Down On The Comments
For his part, Johnson has shown no remorse for his comments. When asked about them on Monday, he doubled down on his animosity toward Green Bay.
“I don’t like that team,” Johnson stated, adding that he had spoken with team owner George McCaskey and that they were “on the same page.” He further explained his actions by saying, “This is a rivalry. The city of Chicago, Green Bay — it needs to be a rivalry.”
Johnson’s approach has been consistent since he took the job in Chicago, where he noted during his introductory press conference that he “kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”
Others Join In Criticism
The comments have drawn criticism from around the sports world, with figures like legendary college basketball announcer Dick Vitale calling Johnson’s attitude “classless” and “childish.”
However, within the context of the rivalry, Johnson’s actions have undoubtedly succeeded in raising the temperature. The Packers, still reeling from a devastating playoff collapse, now have extra motivation, bulletin-board material for the 2026 season. McKinney’s response indicates that while the Packers may not engage in the same public theatrics, the comments have not gone unnoticed.
As both teams head into the offseason, the stage is already set for a heated reunion. Ben Johnson has embraced the role of the villain, and players like Xavier McKinney have made it clear they are ready to respond on the field. The next chapter of the NFL’s most historic rivalry promises to be personal.
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