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Bears-Vikings: Past Players Reignite Rivalry
19 Sep
Summary
- Three current Bears players previously played for the Vikings.
- Ex-Bears GM Ryan Pace now advises the Vikings.
- Long snapper Andrew DePaola has played for both teams.
The Chicago Bears are set to host the Minnesota Vikings for their home opener, with both teams vying for an early advantage in the competitive NFC North. This Week 2 divisional clash is marked by substantial personnel connections between the two organizations.
Among the Bears' current roster, three players have previously played for the Vikings. Case Keenum, who started 14 games for Minnesota in 2017, is notably among them. Safety Xavier Woods, anticipated to return for this game, also spent the 2021 season with the Vikings. Defensive lineman James Lynch and center Garrett Bradbury were both drafted by Minnesota, with Bradbury serving as their starting center for six seasons.
The Vikings' roster includes long snapper Andrew DePaola, who played for the Bears in 2017 before becoming a four-time All-Pro with Minnesota. Behind the scenes, Ryan Pace, the Bears' general manager from 2015 to 2021, now holds a football advisor role with the Vikings. Kevin Warren, Chicago's team president, also has over a decade of experience in the Vikings' front office.
These overlaps in players and staff underscore the deep-rooted connections between these two NFC North rivals as they prepare for a significant divisional game.
