Bears Coach Ben Johnson's Emotional Postgame Speech: "Screw the Packers"
In a postgame speech that was both raw and inspiring, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson let loose on his team after Saturday night's thrilling 31-27 victory over their longtime NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Johnson, who has been under immense pressure to deliver in his first season at the helm of the Bears, seemed to channel his emotions into a passionate address that left his players energized and motivated.
As reported by the team, Johnson uttered the now-famous phrase "[Screw] the Packers" when the team gathered in the locker room following their hard-fought win. The remark was met with cheers and applause from his teammates, who were no doubt buoyed by their coach's candor and determination.
"I [Freak]-ing hate those guys," Johnson said, according to sources close to the team. "We're going to enjoy this one for tonight, but tomorrow we get back to work."
The emotional outburst was not a surprise given the significance of the game. The Bears had overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to secure their first postseason victory in years, and Johnson's postgame speech served as a testament to his team's grit and resilience.
QB Caleb Williams, who delivered a standout performance in Saturday night's win, was visibly moved by Johnson's words. In an emotional press conference following the game, Williams broke down in tears when describing the impact that Johnson had on his season.
"For me personally, he's been monumental in my life so far," Williams said, pausing to collect himself. "And so for his first playoff win as Chicago Bears head coach... I don't have words."
Williams went on to praise Johnson's leadership and guidance throughout the season, saying that he had become a mentor not just to him but to the entire team.
In recognition of his performance, Johnson rewarded several players with game balls, including tight end Colston Loveland, defensive end Montez Sweat, and quarterback Caleb Williams. The gesture was seen as a testament to Johnson's commitment to recognizing individual contributions and fostering a sense of camaraderie within the locker room.
As for what's next for the Bears, who will host the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's NFC Wild Card game, Johnson remains focused on the task at hand. "We'll enjoy this one for tonight," he said, echoing his postgame phrase from earlier. "But tomorrow we get back to work."
In a postgame speech that was both raw and inspiring, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson let loose on his team after Saturday night's thrilling 31-27 victory over their longtime NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Johnson, who has been under immense pressure to deliver in his first season at the helm of the Bears, seemed to channel his emotions into a passionate address that left his players energized and motivated.
As reported by the team, Johnson uttered the now-famous phrase "[Screw] the Packers" when the team gathered in the locker room following their hard-fought win. The remark was met with cheers and applause from his teammates, who were no doubt buoyed by their coach's candor and determination.
"I [Freak]-ing hate those guys," Johnson said, according to sources close to the team. "We're going to enjoy this one for tonight, but tomorrow we get back to work."
The emotional outburst was not a surprise given the significance of the game. The Bears had overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to secure their first postseason victory in years, and Johnson's postgame speech served as a testament to his team's grit and resilience.
QB Caleb Williams, who delivered a standout performance in Saturday night's win, was visibly moved by Johnson's words. In an emotional press conference following the game, Williams broke down in tears when describing the impact that Johnson had on his season.
"For me personally, he's been monumental in my life so far," Williams said, pausing to collect himself. "And so for his first playoff win as Chicago Bears head coach... I don't have words."
Williams went on to praise Johnson's leadership and guidance throughout the season, saying that he had become a mentor not just to him but to the entire team.
In recognition of his performance, Johnson rewarded several players with game balls, including tight end Colston Loveland, defensive end Montez Sweat, and quarterback Caleb Williams. The gesture was seen as a testament to Johnson's commitment to recognizing individual contributions and fostering a sense of camaraderie within the locker room.
As for what's next for the Bears, who will host the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's NFC Wild Card game, Johnson remains focused on the task at hand. "We'll enjoy this one for tonight," he said, echoing his postgame phrase from earlier. "But tomorrow we get back to work."