Ex-Bears Rookie Causes Uproar After Posting in Packers Uniform Days After Getting Cut

Turmoil struck the Bears’ training camp this week after a recently released rookie long snapper sparked outrage online. Fans and teammates were blindsided by a late-night Instagram story that instantly ignited controversy across the NFC North.

It’s standard for undrafted rookies to keep a low profile after being cut, hoping quietly for another shot. But this time, the drama centered on a small-school standout with real on-field credentials, now under scrutiny for his decisions off it.

Luke Elkin, let go by the Bears for issues related to discipline, raised eyebrows when he posted a photo of himself wearing a Packers fan jersey—despite not having any deal with Chicago’s fiercest rival. The move fueled debates among both fanbases.

“I hope the Packers give him a shot — not just to play, but to feel the fire he lit in me. This isn’t just about discipline anymore. It’s about gratitude. And without that, it’s hard to see a future for him in the NFL,” Montez Sweat commented, echoing the frustration in the Bears’ locker room.

The controversial photo disappeared within minutes, but screenshots quickly went viral, leading to tough questions about Elkin’s professionalism and awareness. The timing—just days after being released—made the incident all the more jarring.

NFC North analysts pointed out that while changing teams is routine in the NFL, publicly donning a rival’s jersey before any contract is signed is almost unheard of, especially in a division defined by its heated rivalries.

Elkin’s collegiate résumé is impressive: A standout long snapper at South Dakota State, where he played in 45 games, earning First-Team All-American (AP) and First-Team All-Conference honors. He was known for his precision and reliability, contributing to a strong special teams unit in 2024.

Yet now, with his NFL future uncertain, Elkin’s case is a reminder: discipline and decision-making off the field can shape a career just as much as what happens between the lines on Sundays.