News Summary
Colston Loveland, a standout tight end from Gooding, Idaho, has been drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 10th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Bears featured his inspiring journey in their ‘Meet the Rookies’ series, highlighting his resilience and growth from high school talent to NFL prospect. Loveland’s achievements in both high school and college football have paved the way for this landmark moment, making him the highest-drafted player ever from Idaho.
Chicago – Colston Loveland has marked a significant milestone in his athletic career by being drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 10th pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Loveland, a tight end originally from Gooding, Idaho, has quickly become a standout figure in the NFL, capturing attention not only for his impressive skills on the field but also for his humble beginnings in a small town.
The Chicago Bears have showcased Loveland’s inspiring journey in the inaugural episode of their “Meet the Rookies” video series. This feature highlights not just his football prowess, but also his resilience and unwavering focus that has shaped his journey from Gooding to the national stage.
Loveland’s football career began in rural Idaho, where he attended Gooding High School. During his four seasons there, he accumulated remarkable stats: 235 receptions for 3,141 yards and 35 touchdowns. His senior year was particularly impressive, earning him the title of Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year after catching 62 passes for 968 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Coaching at Gooding High, Cam Andersen noted pivotal moments in Loveland’s growth as an athlete. Following a game against a state rival, in which Loveland recorded over 200 yards and four touchdowns but felt he contributed to the team’s loss, he experienced a shift in mindset. From that moment on, Loveland focused on every play and reportedly has not dropped a pass since.
Following high school, Loveland received a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he further honed his skills over three seasons. In 39 games, he recorded 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. His performance in significant games, including a touchdown against Ohio State in his debut, was crucial in demonstrating his value to the team. In the 2024 season, he tallied 56 receptions, 582 yards, and five touchdowns, showcasing not only his ability to catch passes but also his strong blocking skills, which made him a favorite target for quarterbacks.
Beyond individual achievements, Loveland’s character is defined by a team-first attitude. He often celebrated the successes of his teammates and made the decision to stay at Michigan primarily because of the bonds he formed with them.
Embracing his Idaho roots, Loveland participated in cattle branding with his family just before the NFL Draft, reinforcing his reputation for being ‘Idaho tough’. Instead of attending the draft event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he chose to celebrate this critical moment back in Gooding with around 150 family and friends, underscoring his commitment to his community and family.
With his selection, Loveland makes history as the highest-drafted player ever from Idaho, joining a small group of three other NFL players from the state. His skills did not go unnoticed by major college football programs, with Nick Saban highlighting Loveland as the top receiving prospect among tight ends in the 2025 draft class.
While Loveland’s journey has not been without challenges, including recent surgery for an AC joint injury, medical professionals expect him to make a full recovery in time for training camp. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson recognizes the potential for Loveland to be utilized effectively, drawing comparisons to Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta, indicating that he could become an integral part of the Bears’ offense.
Loveland’s remarkable determination and maturity have allowed him to navigate the complexities of quarterback changes and maintain composure on the field. As he transitions into the NFL, Loveland stands poised not only to make a name for himself but also to inspire future generations from his hometown of Gooding, Idaho.
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Additional Resources
- Chicago Bears News
- Wikipedia: Colston Loveland
- KIVI News
- Google Search: Colston Loveland NFL
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Chicago Bears Video
- Google News: Colston Loveland
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
