Tight end Colston Loveland embraces the challenge of becoming a primary weapon for Caleb Williams in the Chicago Bears' offense this upcoming season.
Even though the Chicago Bears selected Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it was unknown what the rookie would do in Year 1.
A shoulder injury kept him out of the offseason program, and he had a slow start to his rookie season. But then the 6-foot-6, 241-pound playmaker found his rhythm in head coach Ben Johnson's offense and emerged as a legitimate target in the passing game.
After catching 11 passes for 116 yards through his first six games played, Loveland exploded against the Cincinnati Bengals for six receptions, 118 yards and touchdowns, including a 58-yard game-deciding score to help the Bears win 47-42 on the road.
That performance put the young tight end on the map, and he went on to lead the Bears with 713 receiving yards on 58 receptions. Opposing defenses will have to circle where No. 84 is lined up, and Loveland is ready for that challenge.
“I wouldn't want it any other way, obviously," Loveland said. "It means I'm doing something right. I have to continue to do that. But like I said, we’ve got weapons, so whether you want to focus in on one dude or not, there are weapons all over.”
With DJ Moore no longer a part of the Bears' roster, that means Loveland, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond will have to step up for quarterback Caleb Williams. Depending on the game and the situation, will determine who becomes the primary target.
"So the best thing to do is to always be ready," Loveland said. "Always be ready to take a (share of the work) load if you need to and do what you're told and do what you're asked.”
Going into Year 2, Loveland has a better understanding of Johnson's offense and what is role will be for the 2026 season. Although he achieved individual success, the Bears' tight end has raised the expectations for himself.
"Having a pretty good year last year and it being not a rookie anymore, you can't make the little mistakes, you can't slack at all," Loveland said. "A new standard is set. Just have to burst through that and just keep growing it. But I feel really good and obviously got a great group, great group of guys around me, great coaches, great staff to put us in the best position. So, just have to go out there and work.”
Loveland didn't share any statistical goals he wanted to reach in Year 2, but he's a believer that with team success comes individual success. Winning is everything to the Bears' tight end, and if he raises his game to another level, he can become a huge reason the team achieves more success in 2026.