Ben Johnson & Matt LaFleur: Beef, Handshake, vs Comment — Explained

The NFL world has been buzzing with talk about a perceived feud — or at least a tense rivalry — between Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. What started as a bold comment has turned into repeated awkward handshakes and swirling fan theories. Let’s unpack it all: from the origins of the beef, the handshake moments that went viral, Johnson’s original comment, LaFleur’s response, and what this means for the NFC North rivalry.

1. Who Are Ben Johnson & Matt LaFleur?

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson is best known for his innovative offensive mind. He spent several years as:

• Offensive quality control coach and tighter coaching roles with the Detroit Lions (2019–2024) before becoming offensive coordinator, where he led one of the NFL’s top scoring offenses.

In 2025, Johnson was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, a team long searching for stability and offensive identity. He is credited with injecting energy, analytics-based game planning, and a competitive edge into a rebuilding franchise.

Matt LaFleur

Matt LaFleur took over as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2019. Over his tenure, the Packers have consistently competed at the top of the NFC North and made multiple playoff appearances.

LaFleur’s teams are known for:

• Efficient offensive execution

• Brett Favre-era discipline (under Aaron Rodgers)

• Maintaining Green Bay’s championship expectations

He’s well respected around the league but has also been under constant media scrutiny due to the Packers’ intense fanbase.

2. The Comment That Sparked the Rumors: “I Enjoyed Beating Matt LaFleur Twice a Year”

The tension began publicly at Ben Johnson’s introductory press conference with the Bears in early 2025. Addressing the media, Johnson directly referenced the Packers head coach:

“To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”

That comment was significant for a few reasons:

• Johnson openly acknowledged beating LaFleur while serving as Lions OC.

• It served as a bold statement comparing the Bears and Packers during NFC North competition.

• For Packers fans especially, it was bulletin board material — meaning something opponents could use for motivation.

Many fans and pundits weighed in online, with reactions ranging from amusement to outrage. The comment instantly gave the rivalry a personal edge.

3. The Handshake Moments That Went Viral

After the Bears and Packers met in regular and postseason games in late 2025 and early 2026, cameras captured icy, brief handshake exchanges between Johnson and LaFleur. These moments fueled speculation about tension.

Notable Handshake Incidents

• After a Packers victory at Lambeau Field, LaFleur and Johnson shared a quick handshake before parting ways abruptly.

• At a later Bears vs Packers game, another cold handshake — marked by minimal eye contact — went viral.

Unlike extended, cordial coach greetings, these were short and brisk — enough to trigger fan debate and viral clips across social platforms.

4. How Each Coach Explained the Moment

Although fans interpreted drama, both coaches publicly downplayed the “beef”:

Ben Johnson’s Take:

Johnson said the handshake “felt like every handshake I have at the end of a game,” suggesting nothing personal or heated beyond normal competitive courtesy.

Matt LaFleur’s Response:

LaFleur also minimized any personal animosity, framing it as part of the classic Packers-Bears rivalry, not a feud between individuals. He said:

• “It was a quick handshake, and we’ll see them again in two weeks.”

• And added: “Absolutely not. It’s Packers-Bears.”

LaFleur also publicly claimed he didn’t “know Ben Johnson” personally — a remark intended to defuse rumors of personal conflict.

5. Why Fans Think There’s “Beef”

Even if both coaches deny a personal grudge, several dynamics contribute to the perception of beef:

5 Key Elements Fans Focus On

1. Personal Comment at Press Conference: Johnson’s jab was unusually direct for a coach’s first press conference.

2. Historic Rivalry Context: Bears vs Packers is one of the oldest rivalries in football. Any added tension magnifies reactions.

3. Social Media Discussions: Fans on Reddit and NFL threads have amplified the narrative through jokes and passionate posts.

4. Icy Handshakes on Camera: Even small interactions can be interpreted as loaded when replayed and discussed.

5. Media Commentary: Analysts like Tom Brady and sports outlets have discussed the handshake moments as part of a “beef.”

6. What It Means for the NFC North

The Packers and Bears rivalry dates back over a century, but the recent matchups — and the Johnson vs LaFleur storyline — have revived fan interest.

On the Field Impact

• The Bears under Johnson have been more competitive than in recent years.

• The Packers maintain their divisional success but are no longer automatic favorites.

Rivalry games are emotional, and coaches trading competitive lines or cool handshakes only adds intrigue — though actual beef may be limited to fan perception.

7. Social + Media Reactions to the “Beef”

Fans didn’t hold back online. From humorous memes to heated debates, Reddit threads illustrate how passionate supporters of both teams have embraced (and exaggerated) the narrative.

For example:

• A popular Reddit thread joking that Johnson “doesn’t like Matt LaFleur” drew hundreds of votes and comments.

• Another thread highlighted Bears fans gleefully celebrating their win over Packers and the handshake moment.

These reactions highlight how sports culture loves a narrative — even when coaches themselves insist they’re merely competing.

FAQs: Ben Johnson & Matt LaFleur Beef, Handshake, Comments

Is there actually a personal feud between Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur?

Answer: Both coaches have downplayed any personal “beef.” Johnson said the handshake was normal, and LaFleur framed it as part of a traditional rivalry, not personal animosity.

Why did Ben Johnson mention Matt LaFleur at his press conference?

Answer: Johnson took a competitive jab by saying he “enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year” while serving as Lions offensive coordinator — a statement meant to show confidence and rivalry spirit.

What was awkward about their handshake?

Answer: Multiple brief, minimal eye contact handshakes after games were interpreted as cold or “icy,” leading fans and media to speculate about tension.

Did media personalities comment on the situation?

Answer: Yes — national commentators and former athletes like Tom Brady contributed to the dialogue, calling the interactions “icy” and adding entertainment value.

What does this rivalry mean for fans?

Answer: Whether or not genuine personal animosity exists, this storyline fuels one of the NFL’s great rivalries, bringing excitement and narrative drama to Packers-Bears games.

Conclusion: Beef, Handshake, or Just Rivalry?

The Ben Johnson vs Matt LaFleur story brings classic NFL spice to one of its oldest rivalries. While some fans interpret comments and handshake footage as real beef, both coaches have downplayed personal conflict.