Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is known for his impressive 12-3 record against the Chicago Bears, a rivalry steeped in decades of animosity dating back to founders George Halas and Earl “Curly” Lambeau. Recently, Bears coach Ben Johnson, who took over in early 2025, has been aggressively taunting LaFleur and the Packers. Johnson has not only beaten LaFleur in two of their last three matchups, including a dramatic playoff win, but has also been publicly provocative, famously shouting “F**k the Packers” after the Bears’ NFC Wild Card victory in January 2026.

Despite these provocations, LaFleur has deliberately chosen not to engage publicly with Johnson’s trash talk, emphasizing his focus on the players and performance on the field. He insists that energy spent on off-field disputes is fruitless and that the rivalry should remain about the athletes competing on game day. This approach contrasts with past Packers figures like Forrest Gregg and Aaron Rodgers, who openly expressed their disdain for the Bears. LaFleur’s stoicism is noteworthy given the deep historical rivalry and Johnson's persistent provocations.

Among Green Bay’s players, the responses to Johnson’s comments vary. Left tackle Jordan Morgan and tight end Tucker Kraft admit that Johnson's insults strike a chord, fueling their motivation for upcoming games. Meanwhile, others like defensive tackle Karl Brooks and safety Evan Williams dismiss Johnson’s outbursts as mere bluster, focusing instead on concrete performance during the games. This divergence reflects the complexity within the team regarding how to handle the intense rivalry’s psychological warfare.

LaFleur’s quiet strategy has coincided with a recent shift in the rivalry’s dynamics. While LaFleur won his first 11 meetings against Chicago, the Bears have claimed three of the last four, including two thrilling 2025 victories marked by Green Bay’s late-game collapses. As the Packers prepare to host the Bears in their upcoming Sunday matchup, the effectiveness of LaFleur’s calm, player-focused approach—versus Johnson’s brash provocation—will be put to the test once again.