Cole Kmet experienced a dream come true when the Chicago Bears drafted him in the 2nd round of 2020. Since he got into sports as a kid in the northwest suburbs, his mission was to do one of two things. Become a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs or play for the Bears on Sundays. That is why he played both baseball and football even into his college days at Notre Dame. In the end, everybody knows what happened.
What a lot of people don’t talk about is Kmet’s origins in football. Jeff Joniak took the opportunity to ask him about this on Player Profile for the Bears YouTube channel. It turns out the tight end got into the game when he was in 5th grade. That is a typical age for many eventual pros. However, his experience was a bit different. Kmet didn’t play with kids his own age. The rules of his league were you played with those of a similar weight class. Even at that age, he was a big kid. That meant he would have to play with the older kids.
Really older kids.
It would’ve been easy to feel intimidated in that situation. Playing with kids that are three or even four years older than you. Yet for Cole Kmet to not only play but thrive in that situation? No doubt it helped build his confidence for what followed. Especially when you get a chance to flatten a kid you know has multiple years on you. This might explain why the tight end plays with such an attacking mentality as a runner today.
While the statistical breakout still hasn’t come yet, it appears Kmet is gaining comfort and confidence with the NFL game. He has 14 catches for 138 yards in the past four weeks. Arguably the best stretch of his young career. His connection with quarterback Justin Fields is strengthening each week. Given enough time, it feels like a true breakout performance is right around the corner. Bears fans would love nothing more.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
