Cole Kmet had a typical rookie season for a tight end. The productivity wasn’t great but there were still snippets of a good player that popped up from time to time. His ability to box out defenders for tough catches and then block them at the line of scrimmage stood out. Going into 2021, his goals were clear and straightforward. Refine his blocking technique and improve his route running ability in the passing game.
To that end, he hit the offseason with intense fervor. By the sound of things, he is in supreme shape and looking far better than he did a year ago. The Bears defense is having problems trying to stop him. In addition to that, Kmet is also sporting a bit of a new look. He’s added a new feature to his uniform. This being a white headband that is tied around the back of his head. Not exactly a bandana. It gives off the vibes of those great martial arts movies from the 1980s. Sure enough, long snapper Patrick Scales took notice.
He thus slapped Kmet with an absolutely perfect nickname.
If you don’t know the meaning behind “Donatello” then clearly you didn’t have a TV during the past 30 years. He is one of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that became a sensation in the late ’80s and early ’90s. He was the one who wore a purple headband, used a wooden staff as a weapon, and was known for his sharp intelligence. The fact that Scales pegged Cole Kmet with that nickname makes it impossible to call him anything else moving forward.
Presuming the tight end takes a big leap this year, the Bears’ PA system at Soldier Field has to somehow incorporate the Ninja Turtles theme song whenever he makes a big catch or scores a touchdown. Nobody can say fans won’t immediately buy up those headbands like hotcakes were the team to market them. It’s been a long time since a Bears player with a great nickname emerged. Kmet has a chance to break through with this one.
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