Aaron Rodgers Returns to Chicago Amid Rivalry

Aaron Rodgers is heading to Chicago for the first time since 2022, and it’s safe to say he’ll be met with plenty of animosity. The 41-year-old has long been a thorn in the side of the Bears, boasting a remarkable 25-5 record over the course of his fifteen seasons as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, which includes playoff games.

Back in 2021, Rodgers infamously declared that he “still owns it,” referring to his dominance over the Bears. However, now sporting the colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he seems eager to move past that intense rivalry.

“It’s probably for the best not to be viewed as the villain anymore. I’m not in Green Bay,” Rodgers mentioned to reporters on Wednesday. “I’m hoping we can let the past stay in the past. I think I can manage that.” He went on to highlight the longstanding rivalry, comparing it to historic matchups in sports, such as the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics or the New York Yankees versus the Boston Red Sox. “We have to bring up the Packers and Bears. I’ve got some incredible memories tied to that,” he added.

He also reflected on how the dynamics have changed over the years: “When I joined Green Bay, the Bears were ahead in the all-time series. But when I left, the Packers had the edge,” he recalled. There’s no denying how significant this matchup has been for both teams.

Rodgers shared his hope that fans might eventually forget about the rivalry’s intensity, though he acknowledged the challenge of that notion. “I’m sure they won’t fully let it go. Perhaps they shouldn’t get their hopes too high. But I genuinely enjoy the city and its fantastic sports culture,” he commented.

In his matchups against the Bears, Rodgers has amassed impressive stats: he threw for 6,965 yards along with 64 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 109.0 across 29 regular-season games. In one playoff game against Chicago—the NFC Championship, leading to his Super Bowl 45 victory—he threw for 244 yards and a touchdown.

Rodgers hasn’t faced defeat against the Bears since December 16, 2018, when Chicago took home a 24-17 victory. This Sunday, the Steelers will face off against the Bears, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.