Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cole Kmet

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 the University of Notre Dame. Kmet is a key player for the Bears' offense, known for his receiving and blocking abilities.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Freshman Year at Notre Dame

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

2018: Sophomore Year at Notre Dame

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

2018: Kmet Plays Baseball at Notre Dame

In 2018, as a freshman, Kmet appeared in 26 games as a relief pitcher for Notre Dame, making one start. He finished the season with a 2–5 record, a 5.05 ERA, 39 strikeouts and a team-leading eight saves.

2019: Starting Tight End at Notre Dame

In 2019, Cole Kmet became the starting tight end during his junior year at Notre Dame. He missed the first three games due to a broken collarbone, and later announced he would return for his senior season.

January 2, 2020: Kmet Enters 2020 NFL Draft

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

2020: Kmet Drafted by the Chicago Bears

In 2020, Cole Kmet was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL in the second round.

2020: Kmet Decides to Enter NFL Draft

In November 2019, Cole Kmet initially announced his return to Notre Dame for his senior season, but later decided to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

2021: Kmet's 2021 NFL Season

During the 2021 NFL season, Cole Kmet appeared in all 17 games for the Bears, catching 60 passes for 612 yards.

2021: Kmet's Versatility

In 2021, Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy expressed optimism about Cole Kmet's versatility, noting Kmet's ability to line up wide, run routes outside, play tight, and block.

2022: Kmet Leads Bears in Receiving

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

July 26, 2023: Kmet Signs Contract Extension with Bears

On July 26, 2023, Cole Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Chicago Bears. He finished the season with 73 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns, appearing in all 17 games.

October 13, 2024: Kmet Earns NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

On October 13, 2024, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cole Kmet had 5 receptions for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns and stepped in as the emergency long snapper due to injury, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He later finished the 2024 season with 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns.