Cold Shoulder: Jaire Alexander Snubs Caleb Williams in Coin Toss Drama
Key Takeaways
- The Snub: Following the pre-game scuffle, Packers captain Jaire Alexander refused to shake the hand of Bears QB Caleb Williams during the coin toss ceremony.
- The Result: The Bears called “Tails,” won the toss, and elected to defer to the second half.
- The Crowd: Soldier Field booed mercifully as the snub was shown on the Jumbotron.
CHICAGO — If you thought the pre-game fight cleared the air, think again. The tension at the 50-yard line just hit a breaking point before a single snap was played.
The viral clip from the coin toss confirms that the bad blood between Green Bay and Chicago is at an all-time high. As the captains met at midfield, Bears rookie Caleb Williams extended a hand to Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. Alexander looked at the hand, laughed, and turned his back to stare at the referee.
Disrespect by Design
This wasn’t an accident. Alexander, who was at the center of the shoving match 45 minutes ago, is trying to rattle the rookie quarterback. Williams, to his credit, didn’t flinch. He simply nodded, smirked, and turned his attention to Referee Shawn Smith.
The conditions made the ceremony surreal. Smith had to physically wipe a layer of snow off the coin before flipping it. The wind caught the toss, drifting it nearly two yards sideways before it landed in the snow.
Terry McAulay, Rules Analyst: “I’ve seen intense rivalries, but refusing a handshake at the toss? That is a direct challenge. Alexander is telling Williams, ‘We are not friends, we are not peers. I am coming for you.'”
Bears Win the Toss, Choose Defense
Amidst the drama, actual football business occurred. The Bears won the toss and deferred. This is a massive strategic gamble. By choosing to kick off, Chicago is betting that:
- Their defense can force a quick stop against a Josh Jacobs-less Packers offense.
- They can pin Green Bay deep in the snow and force a punt into the 30-mph wind.
If the Bears defense holds, Caleb Williams will get the ball with a short field and a chance to make Alexander pay for the snub immediately.
Social Media Reaction
Twitter/X is already ablaze.
- @BearsNation: “Add it to the bulletin board. Make him regret it, Caleb.”
- @PackersCheese: “Jaire is in his head. That’s that 2011 energy. Let’s go!”
What Happens Next
The Packers will receive the opening kickoff defending the North End Zone (into the wind). The talking is over. The fighting is over. The snub is recorded.
It’s game time.
