EXCLUSIVE: The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers is one of the most fearsome in the entire NFL. And Kaseem Sinceno has experience playing for both sides.
From their very first clash on November 27, 1921, the two titanic football teams have despised one another, with each side desperate to claim the bragging rights every single time they take to the field.
The iconic feud is bred into the players coming through, with every representative of the Bears and the Packers knowing precisely what getting a victory over the other means to the fans. So, with that said, what exactly is it like to have worn the jersey for both colossal teams?
Kaseem Sinceno has played for the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers
Standing at a fearsome 6ft4 and weighing in at 259 pounds, Kaseem Sinceno was a formidable athlete, capable of striking fear into the hearts of his opponents.
Following a successful stint at Syracuse University, the American exploded in the NFL, impressing football enthusiasts with his remarkable skills.
With the entire league fully aware of his ability, the biggest teams in the NFL were desperate to secure his services, which eventually resulted in the player representing two clubs that notoriously don’t see eye-to-eye.
In an exclusive interview with Sporf, he candidly opened up about what his experience was like of playing on both sides of the historic rivalry.
The 48-year-old explained: “It could be a little nerve-wracking at times. I was a Bears fan as a kid. So, coming to the Bears and playing with them first was a big deal. But then, signing with the Packers was purely business. You need to end your career and keep making money. So, playing for the Packers was great. There’s a lot of history up there, so you take what you can. After I was done, I moved back to Chicago, and this is my home team.”
As a lifelong Chicago Bears supporter, Sinceno lived the dream, carving out many an epic memory, with the New York-born star now revealing his favourite moment of his whole career.
He reminisced: “It was probably catching my first touchdown. It was a Thursday night televised game and within my first couple of games with the Bears. It was a game-winning touchdown. That was the highlight of my career. I hold it close to my heart.”
Kaseem Sinceno is giving back to the next generation
Since retiring from the game, Sinceno has gone above and beyond to help the next wave of players coming through by coaching high school football.
In addition, he regularly tours the UK, where he gives an opportunity to schoolchildren to learn the ropes of the sport through the Chicago Bears’ Mini Monsters clinics.
Having scaled the heights of the game himself, the legend takes enormous pleasure in giving children an opportunity to fall in love with the sport themselves.
He beamed: When you see how they interact, and you see how much exuberance and energy young kids have, it’s amazing. That’s why I love working with kids not just in this program, but in high school as well. We have hundreds of kids at these clinics, but maybe five leave with the message and absorb what you said to them. That’s the key. Just to make sure you touch young people’s lives and leave them with a positive memory.”
READ MORE: DJ Moore travels to the UK to guide future NFL stars at Chicago Bears Mini Monsters clinic
Featured Image Credit: James Sweetnam