Divisional rivalries often take on epic proportions in the NFL, particularly in the NFC North. The division houses some of the oldest teams in football, and naturally, some of the most storied rivalries in the history of the league.
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And for most players, rivalry with their arch-nemesis continues, long after their playing days even. Not for Davante Adams.
The former Green Bay Packers wide receiver is now willing to let go of some of that animosity toward the Chicago Bears in his older years. Adams had been so accustomed to hating the Bears. But now that he’s outside of the division, playing with the Los Angeles Rams this upcoming season, he’s happy to make new friends.
“I’ve met so many fans. I feel like I meet more fans in the NFC North now that they actually come forth and speak to me. So, I let them know it’s cool, like, yeah, we can be friends now,” said Adams.
“I don’t mind it. I’m still in the NFC now, but I’m not in the NFC North, so I don’t hate the Bears anymore. That was just a thing that lasted while I’m there,” added the six-time Pro Bowler.
According to Adams, when you’re competing in their division, fans “don’t introduce themselves quite as much.” That’s a sign that the spirit of divisional rivalries, celebrated throughout the NFL’s rich history, appears to be alive and well even in today’s league.
Considering Adams’ history of success against Chicago, it’s understandable why their fan base may have been a bit reserved around him. Adams managed to tally 1,024 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns against the Bears in his eight seasons as a Packer. That’s quite a damage.
The Packers had an overall record of 14-2 against the Bears during the time Adams was with them. While it certainly helped to have Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, Adams seldom struggled against his NFC North rivals.
Adams reflects on his relationship with Rodgers
When recently asked by former NBC host Dan Patrick if there were any stories about his last signal caller that he would share with his kids, Adams recalled one of the first games of his career, a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions.
“I’m just a rookie coming in, it’s my [third] game playing. I’m not ready to process all of that, especially not mid-cadence,” narrated Adams.
“I think it might’ve been a test and I failed it… As soon as I drive off the ball and I take that step and stick for the slant, the ball is flying to where I was standing before I even moved,” he added.
After that, Rodgers immediately began running over to the rookie to get on his case. “When you see that finger come out and he starts skipping towards you, you know it’s problems,” Adams joked.
Thankfully, the two of them managed to develop one of the most productive QB-WR relationships in NFL history. To this day, their conquests of the NFC North are described as some of the greatest victories in the history of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Given the rich history of both the division and the franchise, that’s certainly saying something.
