From baseball pitcher to NFL touchdown celebrations: the versatile career of Cole Kmet
In short: Before becoming a standout tight end for the Chicago Bears, Cole Kmet was a formidable relief pitcher. His ability to transition from the mound to the football field has made him one of the most versatile weapons in the NFL, a skill he celebrates with a nod to his former life.
Cole Kmet's journey to professional football was marked by significant dual-sport talent. During his time at Notre Dame, he was not just a football player but also a relief pitcher for the baseball team. In 2018, he appeared in 26 games, recording 39 strikeouts and eight saves with a 5.05 ERA. He continued his baseball career in 2019, posting a 2.89 ERA over eight appearances before an arm injury intervened. He also played baseball at the University of Notre Dame. During his freshman year, he made one start on the mound.
This athletic versatility translated to the NFL, where Kmet has become a cornerstone for the Chicago Bears. After being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft—ranked as the top tight end prospect by CBS Sports—he has demonstrated an ability to perform multiple roles. He has been used as a traditional tight end, a wide receiver, and even an emergency long snapper, a role he performed during a 2024 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted by the Bears with the 43rd overall pick. This selection followed a trade involving the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kmet's impact on the field is often punctuated by his unique touchdown celebrations, where he mimics a baseball player hitting a home run. His reliability has been a constant for the Bears; by the start of the 2025 season, he stood as the team's longest-tenured player. His career has seen him evolve from a rookie primarily used as a blocker into a primary target, leading the Bears in receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards during the 2022 season. In 2024, he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honours. He also played a role in a trick play involving quarterback Caleb Williams.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Cole Kmet
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