Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown riles up the Bears and Ben Johnson: “I don’t give a f**k”

The Detroit Lions are preparing for a highly anticipated home opening in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. The Chicago Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson, will be the main focus when they visit town, in addition to the players.

Johnson, the offensive coordinator for Detroit’s high-powered offence, left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears over the summer. While his exit was handled professionally, his decision to join a division opponent has left many Lions fans and players feeling betrayed.

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In a recent podcast episode, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown expressed how Ford Field will greet Johnson.

“As soon as Ben steps in, we boo him. I don’t care. “We’re all booing him,” St. Brown stated. Guest Rome Odunze anticipates an electrifying environment in Week 2.

Even Johnson is aware of the harsh atmosphere he is entering. Speaking to reporters, the first-year head coach admitted that the crowd noise will be severe.

“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 joked. He warned that his offence could have to rely on a silent count to combat the loud crowd.

Heated rivalry fuelled by respect

Despite the trash language, there is a sense of mutual respect. On the podcast, St. Brown hailed Johnson as “one of the smartest, hardest-working coaches” he’s worked with, but also said, “For two times a year, Ben, we’re going to fk you up.” Johnson said, “I’m gonna fk you up.”

Fans have theorised that Johnson was preoccupied throughout the Lions’ 2024 playoff run because of his head coaching interviews, but St. Brown refuted this narrative. “He was locked in… as locked in as can be,” said the Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Week 1 is over, week 2 is here which means Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit is up next 🍿 pic.twitter.com/bSmqUoHLSi

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) September 9, 2025

Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions, acknowledged the added drama but emphasised the team’s focus on internal matters.

“We’re on an equal playing field. Campbell stated, “He knows what we’re about, and we know what he’s about.” “But the game is meaningless if you don’t understand the fundamentals. We have to worry about ourselves and focus on the small things.”

Still, there is no resentment, at least not on the Lions’ sideline. “Ben is my friend. “He’s always going to be my friend,” Campbell stated. “But we’ve got to win this game.”

Come Week 2, friendships will be put on hold because there is only one winner at Ford Field.