### Tension on Display: Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur's Icy Postgame Handshake After Bears' Wild Card Victory The recent Wild Card playoff game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers ended in a dramatic comeback victory for the Bears, which has sparked significant attention due to the postgame interactions between the two head coaches, Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur. Their handshake, described as "testy" and "icy," has gone viral, highlighting the longstanding rivalry between the two teams and the personal animosity that seems to exist between the coaches. This moment encapsulates the intensity of the matchup and the emotions involved in playoff football, particularly in a historic rivalry like that of the Bears and Packers. *The handshake has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike, reflecting the competitive spirit of the NFL playoffs* [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/ben-johnson-matt-lafleur-share-viral-postgame-handshake-after-packers-bears-11341484]. ### Breakdown of the Postgame Handshake Incident 1. **Game Context**: The Bears staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Packers, which set the stage for heightened emotions during the postgame handshake. 2. **Handshake Dynamics**: The handshake between Johnson and LaFleur was notably brief and lacked warmth, leading to speculation about the underlying tension between the two coaches. 3. **Fan Reactions**: The handshake has generated buzz among fans and commentators, with many taking to social media to express their views on the interaction. 4. **Historical Rivalry**: This incident is a continuation of the fierce rivalry between the Bears and Packers, which has a rich history in the NFL. ### Supporting Evidence of the Handshake's Impact - **Viral Moment**: The handshake has been widely shared across social media platforms, with fans and analysts commenting on its significance. - **Media Coverage**: Multiple news outlets have reported on the handshake, emphasizing its role in the narrative of the game and the rivalry [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-world-reacts-ben-johnson-062505677.html, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/ben-johnson-and-matt-lafleur-have-the-briefest-handshake-after-packers-bears/3874439]. - **Cultural Significance**: The handshake has become a symbol of the competitive nature of the NFL, particularly in playoff scenarios where emotions run high [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/nfl-news-testy-handshake-matt-lafleur-ben-johnson-bears-packers-fans-buzzing]. ### Conclusion: A Moment That Captured the Rivalry In summary, the postgame handshake between Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur serves as a microcosm of the intense rivalry between the Bears and Packers. 1. **Game Outcome**: The Bears' comeback victory added to the stakes of the handshake. 2. **Handshake Analysis**: The brief and frosty nature of the handshake has drawn significant attention and commentary. 3. **Fan Engagement**: The incident has resonated with fans, further fueling the rivalry narrative. 4. **Historical Context**: This moment is emblematic of the fierce competition that defines the Bears-Packers rivalry. **Overall, the handshake not only reflects the personal dynamics between the coaches but also encapsulates the broader themes of rivalry and competition in the NFL playoffs** [https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/01/11/bears-coach-ben-johnsons-post-game-handshakes-with-packers-coach-matt-lafleur-somehow-keep-getting-shorter].