Bears Make Colston Loveland Announcement After First NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 8:38 AM ET

Colston Loveland had a memorable rookie season with the Chicago Bears. Selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Michigan Wolverines star made waves in his first year in the league. Loveland played 16 games in the regular season (11 starts), registering 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns.

The 21-year-old turned in arguably his best performance as a pro in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs. Loveland helped lead the Bears to a 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers with eight catches for a career-high 137 receiving yards.

Loveland kept his foot on the gas in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams. He caught four passes for 56 yards before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a head injury. The Bears ultimately suffered a season-ending loss to the Rams in overtime, 20-17.

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84). David Banks-Imagn Images

Loveland was unable to return to the divisional round matchup after exiting in the fourth quarter. Bears head coach Ben Johnson announced after the loss that Loveland had been diagnosed with a concussion after hitting his head on the ground on a catch.

On Tuesday, the team took to social media to announce an incredible rookie milestone for Loveland. He now holds the record for the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (193) in NFL playoffs history.

"And he’s just getting started " the Bears captioned its post.

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The season may be over for Chicago, but Loveland’s impactful rookie campaign continues to be a talking point. It’s important to note that he achieved this incredible milestone in just two playoff games.

The season is officially over for Chicago as they now look to the future. It was a memorable campaign in 2025, with the Bears clinching their first NFC North title since 2018. Chicago will want to build on this success for 2026, and Loveland will be a central figure in what should be a promising season ahead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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