Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cole Kmet

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

How Cole Kmet built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cole Kmet is a professional American football tight end currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft after playing college football at Notre Dame. Kmet is a key player for the Bears' offense, contributing as a receiver and blocker. He is known for his reliable hands and ability to gain yards after the catch.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2017, Cole Kmet played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college football.

2017: Freshman year at Notre Dame

In 2017, as a true freshman at Notre Dame, Kmet played in all 13 games and had two receptions for 14 yards.

2018: Baseball at Notre Dame

In 2018, Kmet appeared in 26 games as a relief pitcher and made one start. He finished the season 2–5 with a 5.05 earned run average (ERA), 39 strikeouts and a team-leading eight saves.

2018: Sophomore season at Notre Dame

In 2018, Kmet played in 11 games and had 15 receptions for 162 yards during his sophomore season at Notre Dame.

2019: Baseball Season and Arm Injury

In 2019, Kmet appeared in eight games with one start, before suffering an arm injury. He finished the season 0–2 with a 2.89 ERA and 27 strikeouts.

2019: Starting Tight End and Injury

In 2019, Kmet took over as the starting tight end his junior year. He missed the first three games of the season due to a broken collarbone.

January 2, 2020: Declared for the NFL Draft

On January 2, 2020, Kmet announced he would forgo his senior season at Notre Dame and would enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

2020: NFL Draft Prospect Ranking

In 2020, before the NFL draft, CBS Sports ranked Kmet as the best tight end in the draft, while Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best. He was projected as a second-round pick.

2020: Decision to Return or Enter NFL Draft

In November 2019, Kmet announced that he would return to Notre Dame for his senior season rather than enter the 2020 NFL draft.

2021: Appeared in all games for the Bears

During the 2021 season, Kmet appeared in all 17 games for the Bears and caught 60 passes for 612 yards.

2021: Offensive coordinator comments on Kmet's versatility

In 2021, Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy commented on Kmet's versatility, highlighting his ability to line up wide, run routes outside, and block.

2022: Kmet Leads Bears in Receiving Stats

During the 2022 season, Kmet recorded 50 receptions for 544 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the Bears in receptions, receiving touchdowns, and receiving yards.

July 26, 2023: Signed contract extension with the Bears

On July 26, 2023, Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Bears.

October 13, 2024: Performance Against Jaguars and Special Teams Player of the Week

On October 13, 2024, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kmet had 5 receptions for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the same game, Kmet also snapped six long snaps as the emergency long snapper, uniquely earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.