The 2025 Chicago Bears season ended in disappointment with a loss that dropped them out of the playoffs sooner than fans hoped. What happened after the final whistle has become its own story.
Wide receiver DJ Moore, one of the Bears’ biggest names, left the stadium without stopping for media interviews after the game. Almost immediately, that decision turned into a talking point on national television.
On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A Smith didn’t just mention it. He blasted Moore for skipping the media, saying the choice raised questions about leadership and accountability.
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Stephen A Smith Turned One Quiet Exit Into A Big Bears Story Overnight
On First Take, Stephen A Smith went hard at Moore and questioned his professionalism. Smith made it clear that he believes postgame interviews are part of the job, especially after a season-ending loss.
“Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you know how to be a professional.” Smith said on First Take. “And when you got guys that can’t take it, that just shows you got a lot of folks out here, and I’m not calling him that, who are mental midgets. They just can’t take it.”
Smith also pointed directly at Moore’s contract while criticizing him for not facing the media. He framed it as a leadership problem, not just a personal choice.
“And in the case of D.J. Moore, 4 years $110 million, $82.6 million guaranteed. You probably ran the wrong route or whatever, you don’t want to sit up there and own it, you don’t want to talk about it, that’s not good.”
The bigger point Smith was making was simple. If you are one of the faces of the team, you are expected to answer for the season when it ends. Even if the questions are uncomfortable, even if the loss hurts, even if you feel like you are getting blamed unfairly. Smith basically argued that leadership means showing up anyway.
The Internet Reacted Fast, And Bears Fans Had Plenty To Say
Once Smith’s comments hit social media, the reactions came fast, and fans were split.
One person summed up the frustration with the whole situation like this: “I think the idea that these journalists think they are entitled to a bunch of boilerplate non answers is crazy to me”
Another fan took a more practical view and argued Moore was protecting himself by staying quiet. “Nothing to gain from speaking to the media. But a lot to lose. You want him to speak so he helps your job. Him not speaking is keeping his job safe. The fans don’t care that label him unprofessional. He looked like an all pro against the packers.”
But not everyone gave Moore a pass. One comment pushed back and basically said it comes with the territory when you are the face of the team. “I agree… At some point he needs to say something… Highest paid player on the Bears and a lot of DJ Moore fans who bought and own DJ Jersey’s… Come on DJ don’t be that guy … MJ ALWAYS TALKED AFTER THE GAME”
This is also happening at a time when the Bears are under a microscope. Every move, every quote, and every body language moment gets turned into a bigger storyline. With a young team still trying to find stability, moments like this get treated like evidence of a larger problem.
Published: Jan 23, 2026 04:03 pm