The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have the oldest and most storied rivalry in NFL history. The Green Bay Packers currently lead the all-time series 103-95-6 vs their bitter rival. Over the last two decades the Packers have made up for abysmal decades of football in the 1970s and 1980s. This rivalry runs so deep that even some who are close to it, are apparently willing to give up millions of dollars over it.
Jarrett Payton Turns Down Opportunity To Play For Packers
#FunFact: When I was released by the Titans, the Pack called my agent to see if I would come in for a workout for their practice squad. I turned it down because there was NO WAY Payton was going on the back of GB jersey. I’m very thankful for the call but it’s 🐻⬇️ 365. #Bears pic.twitter.com/SE5vU4FcWn
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) July 19, 2022
At the time most players would’ve jumped at the opportunity to play for the Green Bay Packers. Brett Favre was nearing the end of his retirement but they were grooming Aaron Rodgers. They’d be in the NFC championship game just one year after the offer. If Payton had taken the opportunity, he could’ve extended his career. However he chose to honor his father’s legacy and stay away from all thins Green and Gold. Walter Payton had unmatched success against the Packers in the 1980s.
As a fan of the rivalry you have to respect his decision to stay away from Green Bay. As a fan of the Packers, we are glad we didn’t have to see “Payton” on the backs of any of our jerseys. Back then the rivalry was still… a rivalry. The Packers and Bears traded wins every so often (even though Favre got the better of them more times than not). It was easy to hate the other team because you would often times see your time lose. However over the last decade and a half, Aaron Rodgers and company have gone 23-5 against Chicago. It has turned into a big brother, little brother type of rivalry.
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