What’s the opposite of a football rivalry? Because that’s what the Bears have going on with the Carolina Panthers.
On Thursday, the teams engaged in what can only be called “flirting” on Twitter after a Bears fan suggested the Panthers take one of the Bears’ “extra” safeties. The powers that be in control of the Bears’ Twitter account were (rightfully) confused and got involved in the mix, sparking a sports love story for the ages.
Once the dust settled from the random safety inquiry, the Panthers took advantage of having the Bears’ attention and decided to help a fan who had tweeted at them asking for a custom Ron Rivera jersey. Rivera played for the Bears from 1984-92 and returned as a coach intermittently before becoming the Panthers’ head coach of the Panthers in 2011.
Their combined efforts to get the fan his jersey (the Bears are actually hooking him up) got the two teams’ social media managers hopped up on inter-team NFL love. The conversation spiraled, from bad bear puns about what ice cream they should get together …
… to the Bears schooling the Panthers in Chicago’s love of pizza …
… to dance-off challenges.
Like all good things in life, their social media courtship came to an end, but not before Chance the Rapper made an appearance — in response to NFL Canada … which is not a thing.
We’ll see if their newfound BFF-ship continues on the field whenever the two face off again. The last time the Bears played the Panthers, in 2014, they walked away with a loss. But time heals all wounds. Maybe they’re ready to let the Panthers into their hearts.
@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeychicago.com
