Cole Kmet went to Notre Dame. He isn’t stupid. The guy is smart enough to understand that the NFL can be a cruel beast if you aren’t careful. There is no such thing as being comfortable with your situation. That kind of mindset is how you lose your job. Shannon Sharpe was a superstar in Denver. One would think he was confident in his place with the team. Yet he worked maniacally every offseason. When asked why, his statement was matter-of-fact. “Nobody was taking my job.”
It appears Kmet is getting a taste of what Sharpe felt back then. Across four seasons, the former 2nd round pick has been the unquestioned starting tight end for the Bears. He’s done a pretty good job in that time, putting up solid production and becoming one of their more reliable players. However, his down season in 2024 seems to have worked against him, prompting the Bears to select Colston Loveland in the 1st round. While Kmet has been professional about the decision since it happened, you could hear the uneasiness in his words during his recent presser before training camp.
“I think there’s naturally areas where we are going to compete with one another because we are in the same position and both pass catchers. As long as you can show the coaches you can handle certain things, they will put you all over the field. There will be aspects of it that’s a competition and aspects where we are going to be able to complement each other’s game really well.”
Cole Kmet now understands football reality.
He is far from the only noteworthy player who saw his spot threatened by a high draft choice. Loveland didn’t come here to make his life miserable, but he did come here to play and win. Like any competitor, he wants the ball in his hands. Cole Kmet has contented himself with playing a secondary role in the passing game over the past few years. That mentality must go out the window. It’s about survival now. If he wants a future in Chicago, he must accept the challenge the Bears have put in front of him. Yes, he and Loveland will forge a tandem in the passing game, but there are only so many footballs to go around. Somebody will be the #1 and the other will be #2. Kmet will get lost in the shuffle if he can’t make a statement in this camp.
