‘Everything we are about’: Bears coach has high praise for veteran

Cole Kmet is a consummate professional who continues to do his job well despite seeing his role diminish. He started 2025 as the clear TE1 of the Chicago Bears but played fewer snaps as the season progressed.

The emergence of Colston Loveland as a rising star cut into his playing time, but he remained dedicated to his job. Kmet will likely see fewer targets as the team unleashes the second-year tight end more. The veteran finished last year with 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, including 15 starts.

Kmet showed that he is still a reliable option for Caleb Williams, particularly in the Divisional Round. He caught the game-tying touchdown on fourth down, but the Bears eventually lost 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams.

Chicago Bears, Cole Kmet — Cole Kmet at Chicago Bears training camp.

Bears coach speaks highly of Cole Kmet

Press Taylor praised Kmet on Wednesday.The Chicago offensive coordinator spoke highly of him and highlighted his work ethic.

“Cole is everything that we are about,” Taylor said. “I mean, the way he approaches his work in the meeting room, in the building, just the presence he is. He’s a guy that as we started yesterday and we knew we were going into a live period and it was an unscripted, it was more of a scrimmage type feel. As we broke up as an offense, he’s the guy I call on to make sure he’s addressing the offense just because he sets the tone for us. He’s got the right mindset (and) he’s about the right stuff.

“He can do anything we ask, he can line up at fullback, he can be in line, he can motion out. (Kmet) can play in space, he’s been a great role model for Colston, for Sam (Roush), but also just our entire offense as an entire unit. He’s done a great job.”

“Cole is everything that we are about.”

Bears OC Press Taylor on TE Cole Kmet: pic.twitter.com/tCKzhAAIP8

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 5, 2026

Kmet will serve as a mentor to his younger teammates, helping them develop faster in the NFL. He is the longest-tenured Bears player, and his leadership is crucial to how far the team can go next season.