Bears TE Cole Kmet is tougher than you think

We all know Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a tough dude. He’s a throwback to a meaner and more physical era of football. And that’s not just because he’s 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds and a load to bring to the ground.

Kmet has the kind of desire to be the best version of himself. It’s what often separates the great players from the good ones.

Measuring a player’s desire isn’t easy, but one tried and true method is how they deal with an injury. Specifically, do they play through it, or are they more inclined to take a few weeks off?

For Cole Kmet, not even a broken forearm can get him off the field. Literally.

Kmet sat down with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jason Lieser and said he broke his right forearm in Week 18 against the Green Bay Packers. He didn’t know it was broken and kept playing.

Let me repeat: Cole Kmet didn’t know he broke his right forearm … and kept playing.

I don’t know about you, but if I broke my right forearm, I’d probably be on the ground screaming for someone to get help.

But that’s what separates me from Kmet, and it’s partly why GM Ryan Poles rewarded him with a massive four-year, $50 million contract at the start of the 2023 season.

Kmet proved he was worth every penny this year. He had the best season of his career, totaling 73 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns.

The Chicago Bears are one of several teams in play to select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. But don’t get it twisted: Bowers wouldn’t be a threat to Kmet’s job. They are very different players and would combine to form one of the nastiest tight end rooms in the NFL.

What’s your grade for Cole Kmet’s 2023 season? Sign up for a free user account and share your opinion in the comments. If you’d like an ad-free Bears Talk and access to our exclusive content, consider leveling up to a premium account for just $3.49/mo or $29.99/yr. We’d love to have you! Bear Down!