During his postgame media availability after the Detroit Lions' 52-21 dominant win over the Chicago Bears, defensive back Brian Branch mentioned something that some in the fan base have been thinking for months regarding former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Branch said that the game vs. the Bears was personal because he felt betrayed by Johnson.

Extra Energy in Ford Field

Lions All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown mentioned on the St. Brown Podcast, a digital show he does with his brother, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, that Detroit was going to boo Johnson, and boy, did they. As soon as Johnson came out of the tunnel for pregame warmups, the crowd at Ford Field let him have it.

The chorus of boos was even louder when he led the team onto the field for the game. There was even a vulgar "F--k Ben Johnson" chant during the game that some felt went too far, including starting Lions QB Jared Goff. During his postgame press conference, he mentioned, "I didn't like that," Goff said. "He did a lot for us here. I don't know if he deserved that."

Strong Feelings About Johnson's Departure

It was not surprising that the Lions coaching staff was losing both coordinators for head coaching positions after the 2024 season. However, the day after the Lions lost their divisional playoff game to the Washington Commanders, Ben Johnson was in Chicago accepting the Bears' head coaching position, sending shockwaves through the Lions fan base.

Some blamed Johnson for the postseason loss because of questionable play calls during the game or lack of focus by Johnson. There was a sentiment that Johnson was more focused on building his coaching staff because he knew he was leaving for Chicago before the game.

The franchises have faced off 190 times. The rivalry dates back to 1930 during the Portsmouth Spartans' era, before the team relocated to Detroit and became the Lions in 1934. So, when Johnson left for Chicago, one of Detroit's biggest rivals, it was understandable that fans would be upset and feel betrayed.

Johnson Comments About Detroit Lions QB

Ben Johnson has taken a few shots at the Lions since being hired by the Bears. At this year's NFL combine, Johnson suggested that Lions RT Penei Sewell threw better passes than Goff. He also took an unwarranted backhanded shot at Goff, saying, "To have an athlete like Caleb [who can] extend the play and potentially find an explosive down the field, that's what gets me going a little bit. I get excited thinking about that because I haven't really been around that since I've been in the league." Those comments increased the hatred for Johnson by some in the Lions fan base.

Many Lions players and fans are distraught with Johnson at the moment. His decision to leave the Lions to coach one of their biggest rivals is perceived as a significant betrayal. When the Lions face the Bears with Johnson as their head coach, the competition will likely feel much more intense than it has in the past.