Bears HC Ben Johnson has ‘phenomenal’ praise for Colston Loveland

Chicago Bears fans are looking forward to seeing how Colston Loveland performs in his second season. The tight end impressed many in 2025, including Ben Johnson, who has since often praised him for his strong performances. The head coach once again spoke highly of him on Wednesday, particularly his “phenomenal” skill set.

The Bears used their No. 10 overall pick last year to select Loveland. The 22-year-old won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines and earned second-team All-American honors in his last season with the program. Success followed him in the NFL as he was instrumental to Chicago winning the NFC North and reaching the Divisional Round.

Loveland finished his rookie campaign with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns. He earned more playing time as the season progressed and started 11 of the 16 games he appeared in.

Chicago Bears Colston Loveland — Colston Loveland at Chicago Bears rookie minicamp

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson gives Colston Loveland some high praise

Reporters asked Johnson about what he has seen from Loveland at training camp. He highlighted the impact the 6-foot-6 athlete has had on the team.

“He’s been Mr. Steady, much like Rome (Odunze),” Johsnon said. ” These guys are really phenomenal athletes. And I think he’s a really hard matchup for really any safety in this league, any linebacker in this league that wants to cover him in man. That’s a tough ask. He’s too big for these nickels to cover if that’s the matchup that ends up dictating itself. I’m really pleased with where he’s at.”

Ben Johnson on Colston Loveland’s dominance and versatility during Practices:

“He’s been Mr. Steady, much like Rome. These guys are really phenomenal athletes, and he’s a really hard matchup for any safety or linebacker in this league that wants to cover him in man, that’s a… pic.twitter.com/eO7wAWBs46

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) September 2, 2026

Loveland will serve as the Bears’ TE1 in the upcoming season. He proved last year that he already built a strong connection with Caleb Williams, emerging as one of the quarterback’s favorite targets. Chicago will play its opening game of 2026 with a road matchup against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 13. The team’s home opener will be on Sept. 20 versus the Minnesota Vikings.