Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland took the league by storm during his rookie season and put the rest of the NFL on notice for what he could potentially become with the Bears over the next few years.

Loveland was the first Bears rookie tight end to lead the team in receiving yards since Hall of Famer Mike Ditka in 1961 and already established himself as one of the top players at his position after just one year.

ESPN’s annual Top-10 rankings voted on by NFL executives, scouts, and coaches listed Loveland as the seventh-ranked tight end entering the 2026 season and the trajectory is even higher for what he can become at his current pace.

“I love what he brings to the table,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said of Loveland. “He’s one of the most consistent players I’ve been around, and that’s saying a lot for a young guy, because I think it takes a while before guys can truly understand what it means to be a professional. But he’s in early, he’s always in his playbook, he’s always taking notes. I think he really thrives with being available in the pressure moments. That’s the type of guy that he wants to be.”

Loveland is clearly a rising star on the field and on his way toward becoming one of the top players at his position in the near future. Off the field, that level of success is sure to follow him as well.

NFLPA names Colston Loveland as one of the 10 veteran rising stars in the NFL

The NFL Players Association released their annual “Rising Stars” list heading into the 2026 season with 10 veterans and 10 rookies being featured. Loveland was one of the 10 veterans mentioned, however this list has more to do with Loveland’s off-the-field stardom than his on-field success (although the two go hand-in-hand).

“More than a watch list, the annual NFLPA Rising Stars report serves as a forecasting tool for brands, retailers, and partners looking to stay ahead of the curve,” the NFLPA’s post explained. “From product development and marketing campaigns to player partnerships and retail strategy, the list spotlights athletes poised to drive the next wave of consumer demand.”

The Bears already had one player on the roster as a rising star in the business of football in quarterback Caleb Williams, who ranked No. 8 on the NFL’s Top-50 players sales list from March 2025 – February 2026. Williams has also inked numerous branding and sponsorship opportunities outside of football using his name, image, and likeness.

The NFLPA clearly views Loveland on the same trajectory with his NIL success over the next few years. Loveland has already landed sponsorships with Vuori and Buffalo Wild Wings, along with other NIL endorsements he had during his career at Michigan.

“The Rising Stars list is our view into where the market is headed,” Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc., said. “We are looking at the players that fans are connecting with today and the ones we believe are poised for significant growth. For our partners, identifying those guys early creates opportunities to build stronger campaigns, bring products to market faster and connect with fans while momentum is building.”

Investing in Colston Loveland is a wise investment to make

With the level of success Loveland showed as a rookie, and the direction the Bears are headed as a franchise, it’s no surprise to see his name among the list of rising stars, on and off the field. It’s worth noting that Loveland had that kind of success despite missing the majority of the offseason going into his first season and he’s still only 22-years-old.

The sky is the limit for what Loveland can achieve in his NFL career with the Bears. He’s already a big-time playmaker on one of the league’s most exciting offenses and a fan-favorite among the Bears fanbase.