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Possible Chicago Bears draft pick takes shot at rival
NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl Penn State at Boise State Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) and cornerback Audavion Collins (29) during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When it comes to the Chicago Bears’ No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, arguably no player has been connected to the team more than running back Ashton Jeanty. By now, Jeanty has certainly pictured what his NFL life would be like in the Windy City.

If Jeanty were to join the Bears, he would be fully entangled in their longstanding rivalry with the Green Bay Packers. After signing Josh Jacobs, the Packers proved to be a dominant team in the run game. The Bears are hoping Jeanty could do the same for them.

With the draft taking place in Green Bay, Jeanty has had an opportunity to scope out the Chicago rival’s city. His first impression is sure to get a smile out of all Bears fans, via CHGO Bears.

“Calm place. Not much to do here,” Jeanty said. “Nice big football stadium right by the suburbs.”

Ashton Jeanty enters Chicago Bears-Packers rivalry


NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl Penn State at Boise State Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) and cornerback Audavion Collins (29) during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The team ended their 2024 campaign – and a 10-game losing streak – by taking down the Packers 24-222 in the regular season finale. So, Jeanty would be entering the rivalry with momentum on his side. However, in terms of true success, recent history favors the Packers.

Prior to that win, the Bears had lost their previous 11 meetings against the Packers. Furthermore, Green Bay holds a 108-96-6 advantage in the series. The Packers most recently won the Super Bowl in 2011 while the Bears have been waiting for a championship since 1986. To take it to more modern times, Green Bay has made the playoffs every year except 2022 since 2019. Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2010.

While they got flack for it at the time, the Packers have found their quarterback in Jordan Love. Adding Jacobs in the backfield only made Green Bay more explosive. And Matt LaFleur has proven to be the perfect fit for their franchise at head coach.

Chicago is looking for much of the same from their organization. Caleb Williams is expected to be the franchise leader for the foreseeable future. If not Jeanty, then some running back in the draft will revitalize the run game. And Ben Johnson was one of the most coveted head coaches available during the cycle. Simply put, there is a bit more energy behind the rivalry entering 2025.

Adding Jeanty to the mix would only make Johnson’s new offense more dangerous. After making his feelings known about Green Bay, the Packers will surely take notice. But if Jeanty is donning Bears on his jersey, he won’t care, as he’ll be looking to write his name in the rivalry’s history books.


Chicago Bears suddenly a perfect fit for Ashton Jeanty 2 Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty breaks a tackle against Penn State – Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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