‘We should hate each other’: Bears TE Colston Loveland has strong words for Packers

Colston Loveland has only faced the Green Bay Packers three times. However, the Chicago Bears tight end has already fully embraced his team’s rivalry with them. He sent some strong words to the Packers.

Loveland entered the league in 2025 as Chicago’s No. 10 overall pick. He lived up to expectations in his collegiate career with the Michigan Wolverines, winning the 2023 national championship. The 22-year-old also earned second-team All-American and second-team All-Big Ten honors in his final campaign with the program.

The Washington native will take on a bigger role in the upcoming season. He is now the Bears’ TE1 after impressing as a rookie, recording 56 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland talks about rivalry with Packers

Loveland shared how head coach Ben Johnson has reignited the intensity surrounding the rivalry. He also compared it to his alma matter’s battles against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

“100%, especially when coach Johnson has been really about that, too,” Loveland said. “This is how it’s supposed to be. We should hate each other. This is what a rivalry is about. I would compare it to Michigan-Ohio State. Obviously, it’s a different level, but that’s all anyone talks about. The owners, the GM, it’s like, we got to beat Green Bay. We must beat Green Bay, too.”

The NFL has scheduled Chicago and Green Bay to meet again twice in 2026. The first matchup is set for Week 5 at Lambeau Field, while the second will be in Week 16 at Soldier Field. The Bears went 2-1 versus their rivals last season, with Loveland and Co. having the last laugh. They eliminated the Packers in the 31-27 in the Wild Card Round, advancing to the Divisional Round to face the Los Angeles Rams. However, they suffered a 20-17 overtime loss, ending their Super Bowl quest.