Ex-Packers Fan Favorite Opens Up: Refused Bears Offer, Still Waiting for Right Team
There are some team colors a player just can’t picture themselves wearing. That’s why it came as such a surprise this offseason when a former Green Bay pass rusher declined a starting spot from the Chicago Bears.
After the trade deadline passed, speculation mounted about where the veteran edge rusher would land. Friends thought he’d sign a new deal quickly, but he chose to wait, putting loyalty above the pressure to rush a decision.
Preston Smith’s name eventually made headlines. After six years with the Packers, 91 appearances, and 44 sacks, he remains synonymous with green and gold in Wisconsin.
“I told my wife I’d rather ride the bench for the Packers than start for the Bears. I was born to wear green and gold — not navy and orange.”
(Smith said)
Smith was a steady leader through coaching changes, adapting from outside linebacker in Mike Pettine’s 3-4 defense to defensive end under Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 scheme. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2019 and mentored young stars like Rashan Gary, earning respect across the locker room.
His 2019 season—racking up 12 sacks and earning a Defensive Player of the Week nod—solidified his status as a Lambeau fan favorite. Even after a midseason trade to Pittsburgh in 2024, Smith’s heart never really left Green Bay.
Contract restructures and new schemes limited his impact in his final year with the Packers, but teammates say his greatest contribution was setting the standard for the next generation. His choice to turn down a rival only strengthened that reputation.
Now, as he contemplates his next move, Smith isn’t rushing to pull on a new jersey. For Packers fans, his decision to refuse Chicago’s offer only deepens his legend among those who bleed green and gold. No matter where he signs next, the legacy he built in Wisconsin comes first. For Preston Smith, some loyalties run too deep — and some colors never fade.
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