Within the NFC North division, there is a fierce rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. In 2023, both teams prevailed in their respective home grounds, resulting in a split season series.

After the season ended, Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Bears, appeared on “The St. Brown Bros.,” a podcast on The 33rd Team that is hosted by Amon-Ra St. Brown, the wide receiver for the Lions, and his brother Equanimeous.

When the three got to talking about officiating, they engaged in a lighthearted back and forth. Fields called out the Lions for playing more aggressively and occasionally beyond the whistle.

Fields said, “You guys play harder than most teams.” “I will say that, y’all play harder and through the whistle, and y’all got some dirty players on your team, I’m not gonna cap.”

We don’t, that’s for sure,” St. Brown Amon-Ra. “Who’s dirty?”

Fields criticized Alex Anzalone of the Lions, a linebacker who has led the squad in tackles the past two seasons.

“34, Anzalone, bro,” Fields said back. “Dog, he’s going above and beyond what I ask of him. The competitiveness is something I don’t mind at all. However, all the extras, I don’t mind at all. Take me out and stand up.”

St. Brown defended his teammate, saying that he plays hard and demonstrates the tenacity that defines the squad.

Fields’ Bears teammate Equanimeous also pointed out that Julian Okwara’s attack on one of his teammates was needless. The teammates thought the same thing about the Lions defense.

Fields said, “Even out of bounds and (expletive).” “You guys still try to push me when I go out of bounds, so I have to make sure I run three or four yards out of bounds.” Simply overdoing things, such as that.”

The Lions wide receiver acknowledged that the club is taught to play physically and within the rules of the game until the whistle sounds, even as he defended his teammates’ clean play.

“I won’t even lie, dude,” Amon-Ra St. Brown said. “Dan used to show film of the teams we play against to the quarterbacks in the meetings. If the quarterback is even slightly out of bounds, he says, ‘Hit him.'” It’s allowed. He wants you to comply, to play by the rules, as if Hit him while his foot is still in bounds and the other foot is ready to cross the line. You must still strike him. However, after a flag is called during play, you could be thinking, “Why are we hitting the (expletive) quarterback?” Nevertheless, they say, “Hey, that’s what we’re taught.”

Fields saw how formidable the Lions’ defense was before moving on to something else.

Fields said, “You guys play different, so I got to give it to you.” “Y’all play tough.”

J.J. McCarthy, quarterback for Michigan
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See Also: Fields’s prospects

As the offseason approaches, Fields’ future remains unknown. Many predict that the Bears, who own the top pick in the April draft, will utilize it against USC.

QB Caleb Williams.

The Ohio State prospect recently upset people on Instagram by unfollowing the Chicago Bears. When Amon-Ra St. Brown questioned him about that choice, Fields clarified that he didn’t want the conversation regarding his future to take place on social media.

Fields also mentioned his desire to stay in Chicago and play in the NFC North in the future.

Indeed, I do wish to remain. Fields said, “To be honest, bro, I’m trying to, like, with all the talk it’s hard to, you know, be in one place.” However, I don’t see me playing somewhere else. I am aware of the league’s dynamics; before you left Green Bay, you were most likely similarly inclined. If it was left to I myself would want to remain in Chicago. I adore the city, its lights, its people, and its amazing fans. However, it is a company, and I have no influence over it.