Lake Forest, IL – August 4, 2025
Day five of Chicago Bears training camp turned chaotic when a screaming match between two rookie hopefuls nearly spiraled into an all-out brawl — forcing veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore to storm in and restore order with a fiery speech that stunned the entire locker room.
The confrontation began during a red-zone rep when fourth-round cornerback Kamari Wells shoved sixth-round receiver Malik Harmon after a contested play. The tension had been building all week, but this time, it ignited.
Helmets came off. Shouts flew. Coaches and teammates rushed in. But it was D.J. Moore — now entering his third season with the Bears — who made the most impact.
“You think this is how you earn respect in this league?” Moore barked, pulling both rookies aside before turning to address the entire team. “You’re not playing for clicks. You’re playing for your brothers. Grow up — or get out.”
Then came the line that silenced the field:
“IN CHICAGO BEARS, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT ROUND YOU WERE DRAFTED IN. SHOW UP EARLY, SHUT UP, AND GO TO WORK. THAT'S HOW YOU EARN YOUR HELMET.”
Moore’s message didn’t end there. In a powerful moment captured by onlookers, the usually composed wideout paced the sideline, shaking his head.
“We’ve been the butt of jokes long enough,” he later told reporters. “I won’t let ego or immaturity cost us this season. I don’t care if you're a rookie or a vet — act like a Bear.”
Head coach Matt Eberflus praised Moore’s leadership, saying, “That’s what accountability looks like.”
With roster cuts looming and intensity at an all-time high, Bears camp has become a pressure cooker. And thanks to Moore, it’s clear the temperature — and the expectations — just got even hotter.
