The moment Colston Loveland stepped up to the podium for his first press conference as a member of the Chicago Bears, it was clear he understood the weight of the moment. Wearing a navy suit, his expression a mix of humility and confidence, the Michigan tight end radiated the quiet poise that made him one of the most dependable players in college football. Now officially part of the Bears’ organization, Loveland didn’t need any gimmicks or grand statements. Instead, he offered a sentiment that perfectly captured his mindset and appreciation for the opportunity ahead: “I’m glad I was meant to be with the Bears.”
Loveland’s words weren’t rehearsed—they came naturally, grounded in genuine excitement and a sense of belonging. For a player who had just completed a dream run with the Michigan Wolverines, including a national championship and personal accolades as one of the country’s top tight ends, it would be understandable if there were some mixed emotions about leaving college behind. But Loveland made it clear from the start that he’s ready to turn the page and embrace everything that comes with playing in the NFL.
“This is a moment I’ve been working toward my whole life,” Loveland said. “I know it’s a blessing to be here, and I don’t take any of this for granted. The fact that I get to be part of this historic franchise, a team that believed in me enough to call my name—I’m just grateful. I feel like this is where I was meant to be.”
Loveland answered questions with the same thoughtful composure that defined his playing style at Michigan. Never too loud, never too flashy—just consistent, reliable, and focused. When asked what it meant to join a team that just drafted Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick, Loveland didn’t hesitate.
“Caleb’s a baller,” he said with a grin. “I’ve watched him play, and you can see it right away—he’s got that presence, that fire, and that ability to make things happen. I’m excited to get to work with him, to build that chemistry. It’s all about trust between a quarterback and a tight end, and I want to earn that from day one.”
Throughout the press conference, Loveland emphasized the importance of earning his place. Despite being one of the top tight ends in the draft, he showed no signs of entitlement. In fact, he repeatedly brought up the idea of proving himself, of learning from the veterans on the team, and of doing whatever it takes to help the Bears win.
“I’m walking into a locker room with guys who’ve been doing this at a high level for a long time,” he said. “I respect that. I want to learn from them, absorb as much as I can, and contribute however I’m asked to. Whether that’s on special teams, in two-tight end sets, blocking, catching—whatever it is, I’ll be ready.”
He specifically mentioned tight end Cole Kmet as someone he looks forward to working alongside.
“Cole’s a dude. He’s established, he knows the game, and he’s done a lot of good things for this team. I think we can complement each other really well. I’m hoping to learn from him, compete, and push each other to be better.”
Loveland’s humility was matched by a quiet confidence—an understanding that while the transition to the NFL will bring new challenges, he’s built for the grind. At Michigan, he played in a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh, often tasked with blocking defensive ends and serving as a reliable option in the passing game. That experience, Loveland believes, has prepared him well.
“I think one of the things that helped me at Michigan was just being asked to do a lot of different things,” he said. “We ran the ball, we played physical, and we made plays through the air. I lined up everywhere—from the backfield to the slot to in-line—and that’s helped me become a more complete player. I’m ready for the challenge at this level.”
Asked about his mindset entering training camp, Loveland gave a response that would make any coach smile.
“My mindset is to show up every day with the intention of getting one percent better,” he said. “I know nothing is going to be handed to me. I’ve got to earn every snap, every rep, every opportunity. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how I played at Michigan. That won’t change now that I’m in the league.”
The press conference wasn’t all football, though. Loveland also reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of draft night—waiting to hear his name called, celebrating with family, and eventually getting the call from Chicago.
“It was surreal,” he said. “You grow up watching the draft, dreaming of that moment. When the phone rang and I saw it was the Bears—it was just joy. My whole family was there. My mom, my dad, my siblings. It was emotional. Tears were shed for sure. But they were happy tears.”
Loveland also spoke glowingly about the Bears’ front office and coaching staff, expressing gratitude for the way they believed in him and made him feel like a priority throughout the draft process.
“From the first meeting I had with them, I could feel the energy, the passion,” he said. “They were clear about their vision for me, and they saw me not just as a player, but as a person. That means a lot. You want to be part of a place where you’re valued for more than just stats.”
As the press conference wound down, a reporter asked Loveland about the city of Chicago and what he’s most looking forward to off the field. His face lit up.
“Man, I’ve only been here a couple days, but I already love the vibe. The people are real. They care. You can feel the passion for football, the history, the pride. I’ve had some deep-dish pizza already—which was fire, by the way—but beyond that, I’m just excited to become part of this community.”
When asked what message he had for Bears fans, Loveland kept it simple—and authentic.
“I’m going to give you everything I’ve got. Every snap, every game, every practice. I know what this team means to the city, and I want to do my part to make Chicago proud. I can’t promise perfection, but I can promise effort, toughness, and heart. That’s who I am.”
The session ended with applause from the media in attendance—not because of anything theatrical, but because of the honesty and maturity that Loveland showed throughout. In a league that sometimes rewards flash over substance, Colston Loveland is the rare rookie who already seems to understand the long game. He knows success won’t come overnight, but he’s ready to put in the work, embrace the grind, and grow into his role.
As fans pour over draft grades and projections, it’s easy to get caught up in what-ifs and hypotheticals. But if Loveland’s first press conference is any indication, the Bears got more than just a tight end—they got a pro. A leader in the making. A player who understands what it means to represent a franchise with pride.
He may be new to the city, new to the league, and new to the team, but Colston Loveland already sounds like he’s been wearing navy and orange his whole life. And when he said, “I’m glad I was meant to be with the Bears,” it wasn’t just a soundbite. It was a promise.
A promise that he’s here for the right reasons.
A promise that he’s ready for the moment.
And maybe—just maybe—a promise that something special is beginning in Chicago.