Gary Ellerson Reveals WILD Ditka vs. Gregg Story & Why Packers-Bears Used to Be WAR

On The Homer Hour, Steve "Homer" True and Gary Ellerson remember legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka following his passing at 86, and Gary shares an incredible firsthand story about the hatred between Ditka and former Packers coach Forrest Gregg. Gary recalls the two coaches charging at each other underneath Soldier Field before a game, forcing Ezra Johnson and Richard Dent to physically restrain them. The tension was so intense that Gregg warned his players to put their helmets on before entering the field because Chicago fans were dumping beer on them. Gary remembers Gregg's message perfectly: "We might lose the game, but we better not lose the fight."

That sparks a fascinating comparison to today's Matt LaFleur vs. Ben Johnson rivalry. Gary explains why LaFleur shouldn't try to become the fiery personality that Gregg and Ditka were, arguing that players can immediately recognize when a coach is pretending to be someone he's not. But he also believes Green Bay needs to match Chicago's physicality and intensity on Sunday. Gary warns that Johnson's aggressive play-calling will create opportunities for the Packers, but only if they're prepared to capitalize. And with Chicago's dominant rushing attack, he expects a physical battle that could resemble the old-school Packers-Bears games.

The guys also debate whether Green Bay's 2-2 start is actually more impressive than it looks considering the injuries, offensive-line instability and difficult circumstances surrounding the team. Gary believes Kevin Zeitler can immediately improve the offensive line and says the Packers could become an ascending team during the second half of the season, especially as players like Tucker Kraft continue recovering from injuries. The bigger question isn't necessarily whether Green Bay beats Chicago, but whether the team can survive long enough to start playing its best football later in the year.

Plus, Gary shares another unforgettable Packers memory involving legendary running back Tony Canadeo, whose larger-than-life presence left him speechless when they first met. The conversation eventually shifts to the Brewers, where Gary explains why Pat Murphy's leadership and accountability have transformed Milwaukee's clubhouse. From making difficult lineup decisions to naming Christian Yelich captain, Gary believes Murphy has created the kind of culture players genuinely want to be part of, and says he'd love to play for a manager like him.