Colston Loveland builds on rookie year with historic playoff game vs. Packers

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has quickly developed into Caleb Williams’ favorite target. Whether it’s in the red zone or a critical third down, Williams’ eyes tend to find Loveland more than any of the other talented Bears’ receivers.

And it’s working.

Loveland ended his first regular season as the Chicago Bears’ receiving leader. He totaled 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns. And, remember: he didn’t really get going until the midseason mark.

But the NFL playoffs are a completely different breed of football. Players play faster and hit harder the closer they get to that Lombardi Trophy.

Apparently, that level of intensity raises Colston Loveland’s game, too.

MORE: Ben Johnson delivers locker room message Bears fans have waited generations to hear

Loveland’s performance against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round was one for the record books. Literally. He became the first rookie tight end to have eight or more catches and over 100 yards in a playoff game. He finished with eight receptions for 137 yards.

It was the first playoff game of his career.

Loveland is playing with more confidence, and it shows. He received a game ball from coach Ben Johnson after the game and has emerged as one of the three or four best young tight ends in the NFL.

MORE: Rome Odunze explains postgame celebration that left Ben Johnson on the ground

There’s a very real chance that Loveland will finish the 2026 season regarded as the NFL’s best tight end.

Next up for Colston Loveland and the Chicago Bears is the NFC Divisional Round. They’ll face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams at home, and with a win and Seattle Seahawks loss next week, Soldier Field could end up hosting an NFC title game.

You can bet Colston Loveland will be a massive part of however far this team goes.

Subscribe to the BearsTalk Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Spreaker, or wherever you get your podcasts from.