Chicago, Illinois – January 2026
What was meant to be an apology quickly turned into another flashpoint in the NFL’s fiercest rivalry.
Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker addressed the controversial sack on Jordan Love during the Bears’ 31–27 Wild Card playoff win over the Green Bay Packers, offering words he framed as remorse — but which instead ignited anger across Packers Nation.
In comments that spread rapidly across social media, Booker said:
“I’m truly sorry for what happened. I was just trying to give my best effort on that play. I didn’t think he was that ‘weak.’”
The statement immediately drew backlash. While Booker appeared to acknowledge the intensity of the hit — one that Packers officials later cited in a formal complaint to the NFL — his wording was widely interpreted by Green Bay fans as dismissive and disrespectful rather than apologetic.
The play in question occurred during the second half at Soldier Field, when Booker brought Love down on a high-impact sack that some Packers-affiliated outlets described as borderline helmet-to-helmet contact. No penalty was called, and Love quickly got back to his feet and continued the drive. Still, the moment became a central point of controversy after the game.
For Packers fans already frustrated by the playoff loss and ongoing officiating debate, Booker’s remarks poured fuel on the fire. Many accused the Bears defender of disguising trash talk as an apology, with reactions ranging from outrage to calls for league discipline.
“This isn’t an apology — it’s a shot,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “You don’t say you’re sorry and then question a quarterback’s toughness in the same sentence.”
From Chicago’s perspective, Booker’s camp has not issued a follow-up clarification. Sourc
AWFUL MISSED CALL…
The refs just missed a clear roughing the passer and helmet-to-helmet hit by the #Bears on #Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
😳😳😳
Love is coming off a concussion. This is an unacceptable penalty to miss. pic.twitter.com/frbUaSYP5W
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 11, 2026
es close to the Bears suggested the young pass rusher did not intend to provoke further controversy, but acknowledged the phrasing was “poorly chosen” given the sensitivity surrounding the hit.
Jordan Love has not publicly responded. Teammates and coaches have continued to emphasize Love’s toughness, noting that he finished the game despite absorbing multiple hits in the second half.
The episode underscores how thin the line can be between accountability and antagonism — especially in a rivalry as charged as Packers–Bears. In a postseason already defined by narrow margins and lingering resentment, even an apology can become another battleground.
And for Packers fans, the message was clear:
If that was meant to close the chapter, it only made the wound feel deeper.
