Praise pours in for Chicago Bears’ Colston Loveland after move outside NFL

Chicago Bears’ Colston Loveland has inspired a new generation of students with his accomplishments on and off the field.

The 21-year-old tight end hails from a small town in Idaho. He spent his childhood working on his family’s farm and pursuing his passion for football. Before reaching the NFL, he starred at Gooding High School and then at the University of Michigan.

At Gooding High, Colston became Idaho’s top football player and won the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year award. He then became one of the nation’s top tight ends in Michigan, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023. As a versatile, elite playmaker, he helped the Michigan Wolverines win the national championship.

Loveland’s success continued when the Bears selected him 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Being the No. 10 pick was a milestone for him and for Idaho. No football player from the state had reached such a high draft position.

In his rookie season, Loveland helped Chicago win its first NFC North title since 2018 and first playoff victory since 2011. The Idaho native finished with 58 catches, 713 yards, and six touchdowns. His standout 2025 season earned him the Bears’ Rookie of the Year award and established him as a top NFL talent.

Chicago Bears’ Colston Loveland receives letters from inspired third graders

Loveland’s journey from a small Idaho town to NFL success serves as a powerful example for young students dreaming big. 

Third graders at Gooding Elementary are among those inspired by his story. Recently, some of them sent letters to the Bears rookie who once walked the same school halls. It was part of a classroom project.

After learning to write friendly letters, these students chose to write to Loveland rather than to friends or family. Their effort paid off in an exciting way. Not only did the NFL player reply to their letters, but he also sent signed photos for each third-grade classroom.

In a social media post, the school said the excitement was “off the charts,” with students proudly displaying the autographed pictures.

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A post shared by Gooding Elementary School (@goodingelementaryschool)

Praise quickly poured in for Loveland after his awesome gesture.

“We love seeing our students dream big, take initiative, and make real-world connections. Thank you, Colston, for inspiring the next generation of GES students!” the school wrote on Facebook, sparking enthusiastic reactions from users.

“That is so awesome!!” one commenter said.

“So cool!” a third person wrote.

“LOVE this!!!! He’s sooo awesome!!! ,” another user shared.

 Others praised Loveland for his efforts and continued involvement in his hometown.

 “Love the different ways Colston reaches out and helps his home town community,” one commenter wrote.

Another said on Instagram, “So impactful. Continue to inspire others @colstonloveland much love brother .” 

In June, Loveland returned to Gooding to host his first youth football camp and fundraiser. Around 250 kids attended, learning from the NFL star. Donations worth $2,400 benefited a local food pantry and Gooding High School athletics. The event was Loveland’s way of giving back to his community.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/praise-pours-in-chicago-bears-colston-loveland-move-outside-nfl/