The mutual respect may still exist, but once Sunday arrives, Detroit Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has no intention of showing mercy when facing former Lions offensive coordinator—and current Chicago Bears head coach—Ben Johnson.
On his St. Brown Podcast, the wideout welcomed Bears rookie receiver Rome Odunze as a guest in the lead-up to their Week 2 matchup. During the conversation, St. Brown made his feelings about Johnson’s return to Detroit crystal clear.
“Week 2 is going to be insane, I promise you,” St. Brown said, per Bleacher Report. “It’s going to be electric. But the second Ben walks out there, we’re booing. I don’t care—I want everybody booing him.”
Odunze laughed and agreed. “Yeah, [Johnson] said it’s going to be wild. And I’m here for it.”
What began as playful banter will turn into a serious battle on the field.
St. Brown has plenty of appreciation for Johnson’s impact on his career. Under Johnson’s offensive system, the receiver produced three straight 1,000-yard seasons and earned three Pro Bowl nods. Johnson’s creative play-calling also helped transform the Lions into one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, consistently ranking among the top five in both total yards and scoring between 2022 and 2024.
Now in Chicago, Johnson is working to build the Bears into a contender. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is gradually adjusting, with Johnson emphasizing improvements in footwork while also admitting the offense must establish the run more effectively.
Still, Sunday’s showdown carries extra weight. For Johnson, it’s not just another game—it’s a chance to measure himself against his old team and show both the Lions and the city of Chicago that he has what it takes to lead a franchise his way.
