The Detroit Lions are gearing up for what promises to be an emotionally charged home opener in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. When the Chicago Bears come to town, the main focus won’t just be on the players, but it’ll also be on their head coach: Ben Johnson.
Once the offensive mastermind behind Detroit’s high-powered attack, Johnson left in the offseason to take over as the Bears’ head coach. While his departure was professional, his choice to join a division rival has left many Lions fans, and players, feeling betrayed.
Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t hold back his feelings during a recent episode of his podcast, where he made it crystal clear how Ford Field will welcome Johnson.
“As soon as Ben walks in there, we’re booing him. I don’t give a f***. We are all booing him,” St. Brown said. Guest Rome Odunze added that the Week 2 atmosphere will be nothing short of electric.
Even Johnson himself is well aware of the hostile environment he’s walking into. Speaking to reporters, the first-year head coach acknowledged that the crowd noise will be intense.
“We’re going to need to be really good [with communication] because this is going to be a loud environment… a playoff-like atmosphere,” Johnson said. He hinted that his offense may need to rely on a silent count to combat the roaring crowd.
Heated rivalry fueled by respect
Despite the trash talk, there’s still a level of mutual respect. On the podcast, St. Brown described Johnson as “one of the smartest, hardest-working coaches” he’s worked with but added, “For two times a year, Ben, we’re going to fk you up.” Johnson responded in kind, saying, “I’m gonna fk you up.”
While fans have speculated that Johnson was distracted during the Lions’ 2024 playoff run due to his head coaching interviews, St. Brown dismissed that narrative. “He was locked in… as locked in as can be,” the Pro Bowl wideout insisted.
Back in Detroit, head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the added storyline but made it clear that the Lions are focusing inward.
“We’re on equal playing ground. He knows what we’re about, we know what he’s about,” Campbell said. “But the game doesn’t matter if you don’t master the basics. We’ve got to worry about ourselves and hone in on the little things.”
Still, there’s no bitterness, at least not from the Lions’ sideline. “Ben’s my friend. He’s always going to be my friend,” Campbell said. “But we’ve got to win this game.”
Come Week 2, friendships will be set aside because at Ford Field, there’s only room for one winner.
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