Brief Introduction of Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet is an American professional football tight end widely recognized for his impactful presence with the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). Born and raised in Illinois, Kmet’s journey to professional football saw him excel as a two-sport athlete in both high school and college, where he played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was selected by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears, in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kmet has become a key offensive player for the Bears, known for his physicality, versatility, and reliable receiving ability. His career has been marked by steady development and a commitment to his team, culminating in a significant contract extension in 2023 and his recent marriage to longtime girlfriend Emily Jarosz in June 2025.
Cole Kmet Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cole Kmet |
| Date of Birth | March 10, 1999 |
| Age (as of September 2025) | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | Lake Barrington, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 257 lb (117 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Player |
| Position | Tight End |
| Current Team | Chicago Bears |
| Father | Frank Kmet |
| Mother | Kandace Kmet |
| Siblings | Casey Kmet (brother), Cooper Kmet (brother), Frankie Kmet (sister) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Emily Jarosz Kmet |
| Children | None reported |
| Net Worth (estimated as of late 2024) | Approximately $59 million |
| Career Earnings (as of September 2025) | Approximately $39.27 million |
Early Life and Education of Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet was born on March 10, 1999, in Lake Barrington, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. Growing up in the Chicago area, Kmet developed an early passion for sports and was a self-proclaimed diehard fan of the Chicago Bears, harboring dreams of one day playing for the team. His athletic abilities were evident from a young age; he began playing football in fifth grade, notably competing against eighth graders due to his larger size, a unique experience that likely fostered his physical and mental toughness.
Kmet attended St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where he quickly distinguished himself as a standout multi-sport athlete. He excelled in both football and baseball, showcasing immense talent in both disciplines. In his senior year of high school football, Kmet recorded an impressive 48 receptions for 773 yards and four touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him a selection to the prestigious 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Following a successful high school career, Kmet committed to the University of Notre Dame, a prominent institution for both academics and athletics. At Notre Dame, he continued to pursue both football and baseball, a testament to his versatility and dedication. His decision to play at Notre Dame marked the continuation of a family legacy of athleticism and high-level competition.
Cole Kmet’s Career
Collegiate Career at Notre Dame
At the University of Notre Dame, Cole Kmet was a distinguished two-sport athlete, participating in both football and baseball.
In football, Kmet made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2017, playing in all 13 games and recording two receptions for 14 yards. His sophomore season in 2018 saw him play in 11 games, with 15 receptions for 162 yards. Kmet’s breakout year came in his junior season in 2019, when he stepped into the starting tight end role. Despite missing the first three games due to a broken collarbone, he returned with a strong performance, including nine receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown in his first game back against third-ranked Georgia. During this season, he also earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors and was recognized as the Mackey Award Tight End of the Week after his performance against Georgia. Kmet initially intended to return for his senior year but ultimately decided to forgo his final season and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft after receiving significant professional interest.
Parallel to his football pursuits, Kmet also contributed to the Notre Dame baseball team as a pitcher. In his freshman year (2018), he appeared in 26 games as a relief pitcher, achieving a 2–5 record with a 5.05 earned run average (ERA) and a team-leading eight saves. His sophomore season in 2019 was cut short by an arm injury after eight appearances, during which he posted a 0–2 record with a 2.89 ERA and 27 strikeouts. His ability to excel in two demanding collegiate sports underscored his exceptional athletic talent.
NFL Draft and Professional Breakthrough
Cole Kmet entered the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the top tight end prospects, showcasing impressive athletic traits during the pre-draft process. His dream of playing for his hometown team materialized when the Chicago Bears selected him in the second round, as the 43rd overall pick. This selection was a significant moment for Kmet and his family, solidifying his path to the NFL.
As a rookie in the 2020 season, Kmet began to find his footing in the NFL, recording 28 receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The 2021 season saw him play in all 17 games, catching 60 passes for 612 yards. Kmet’s development continued, and in the 2022 season, he emerged as a crucial part of the Bears’ offense, leading all Bears tight ends in receiving yards with 544 and logging seven touchdowns.
His consistent performance and increasing role led to a significant contract extension on July 26, 2023, when he signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Chicago Bears, including $32.793 million guaranteed. This contract underscored the team’s belief in his long-term potential and value. In the 2023 season, Kmet recorded career highs with 73 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns, further solidifying his status as a key offensive weapon. The 2024 season saw him start all 17 games, contributing 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns. Notably, in Week 6 of the 2024 season, he briefly served as the team’s long snapper due to an injury, even earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance. As of the end of the 2024 season, Cole Kmet ranks second all-time among Bears tight ends in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and third in touchdown catches.
Cole Kmet Personal Life & Family
Cole Kmet comes from a family deeply rooted in athletics, a trait that has undoubtedly influenced his own career. His parents are Frank Kmet and Kandace Kmet. Frank Kmet, Cole’s father, was a former American football defensive end who was selected in the 1992 NFL Draft and had a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, though he never played in a regular-season game due to injury. Kandace Kmet, his mother, also had an athletic background, having played high school basketball.
Cole is the eldest of four children. His younger brothers, Casey and Cooper, and his younger sister, Frankie, also share a passion for sports. Casey Kmet played baseball at Notre Dame, following in Cole’s footsteps as a collegiate athlete. Cooper Kmet is a senior in high school, playing quarterback for St. Viator, the same high school Cole attended. Frankie Kmet, his sister, was a competitive dancer and lacrosse player and is notably in a relationship with Lukas Van Ness, a defensive end for the Green Bay Packers. The competitive spirit within the Kmet household has been a constant source of motivation and support for Cole.
In his personal life, Cole Kmet married his longtime girlfriend, Emily Jarosz, in a ceremony held in Chicago in June 2025. The couple, who were high school sweethearts, have been open about their relationship, often sharing moments on social media. Following their wedding, they embarked on a honeymoon in Saint-Tropez, France. Kmet’s personal life reflects a strong foundation of family values and a stable relationship that has grown alongside his professional achievements.
Awards and Achievements of Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet’s career has been marked by several notable awards and achievements, spanning his high school, collegiate, and professional football journeys.
High School and Collegiate Honors
- 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection: Recognized as one of the nation’s top high school football players.
- All-ACC Honors (2019): Acknowledged for his outstanding performance as a tight end at Notre Dame, where he was a key player in the ACC conference.
- CoSIDA Academic All-District (2019): Honored for his combination of academic and athletic excellence at Notre Dame.
- Mackey Award Tight End of the Week (2019): Received this recognition after a stellar performance against Georgia during his junior season.
Professional Accolades
- Jeff Dickerson Good Guy Award (2022, 2024): Kmet is the first two-time recipient of this prestigious award, given annually by the Chicago chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America to a Bears player who best assists the media in their work while demonstrating professionalism and courtesy. This award highlights his positive relationship with the media and his character off the field.
- NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (2024, Week 6): Earned this unexpected honor for his performance as an emergency long snapper, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to contribute in any capacity for the team.
Beyond individual awards, Kmet has consistently ranked among the top tight ends in Chicago Bears franchise history. As of the end of the 2024 season, he stands second in receptions, third in touchdown catches, and fourth in receiving yards among all Bears tight ends.
Cole Kmet Net Worth and Income
As a prominent tight end in the NFL, Cole Kmet has accumulated significant wealth through his professional contracts and endorsements. As of late 2024, his estimated net worth is around $59 million.
A major factor in Kmet’s financial standing is his lucrative contract with the Chicago Bears. On July 26, 2023, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $50 million, which includes an $8 million signing bonus and $32.793 million guaranteed. This agreement solidifies his earnings through the 2027 season, with an average annual salary of $12.5 million.
His career earnings, including his rookie contract and the initial years of his extension, totaled approximately $39,272,069 as of September 2025. For the 2025 season, Kmet is set to earn a base salary of $9.9 million and a workout bonus of $100,000, contributing to a total cash payout of $10 million for the year.
In addition to his NFL salary, Kmet also generates income through endorsements. He has notably partnered with United Airlines to support the Special Olympics by encouraging customers to donate unused airline miles, showcasing his involvement in charitable initiatives alongside his professional career.
Legacy and Influence
Cole Kmet’s legacy is still unfolding, but he has already made a significant impact on the Chicago Bears franchise and the broader NFL landscape. As a hometown hero drafted by the team he grew up supporting, Kmet embodies the dream of many young athletes in Illinois. His journey from Lake Barrington to an integral part of the Bears’ offense resonates deeply with the local fan base.
On the field, Kmet has established himself as a reliable and versatile tight end, consistently improving his game since being drafted. His ability to contribute both as a receiver and a blocker makes him a valuable asset to the Bears’ offensive scheme. His leadership qualities have also become increasingly evident, particularly through his interactions with the media, which have earned him the Jeff Dickerson Good Guy Award twice, recognizing his professionalism and cooperation. This award underscores his positive public image and his role as a respectful ambassador for the team and the sport.
Beyond statistics, Kmet’s dedication to his craft and his professional demeanor set a positive example for aspiring athletes. He represents a new generation of players who are not only focused on on-field success but also on building strong community ties and maintaining integrity. His commitment to charitable causes, such as supporting the Special Olympics, further enhances his influence and demonstrates a desire to give back. As he continues his career, Kmet is poised to further cement his legacy as a respected and impactful figure in professional football.
Interesting Facts about Cole Kmet
- Two-Sport Collegiate Athlete: Cole Kmet played both football and baseball at the University of Notre Dame, excelling as a tight end in football and a relief pitcher in baseball. He even received professional interest in both sports before committing fully to football.
- Family Football Lineage: Athleticism runs deep in the Kmet family. His father, Frank Kmet, was a former NFL defensive end, and his uncle, Jeff Zgonina (his mother’s brother), played for 17 seasons in the NFL.
- Hometown Hero: Growing up in Lake Barrington, Illinois, Cole Kmet was a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears, making his selection by the team in the 2020 NFL Draft a dream come true.
- Playing Up in Youth Football: At just five years old, Kmet began playing organized football, and due to his size, he often found himself competing against much older eighth-grade players.
- Emergency Long Snapper: During Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season, Kmet stepped in as an emergency long snapper for the Chicago Bears due to an injury to the regular snapper, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the team in an unexpected role. For this performance, he was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
- Family Rivalry: His sister, Frankie Kmet, is in a relationship with Lukas Van Ness, a defensive end for the Green Bay Packers, creating a friendly division during the intense Bears-Packers rivalry games.
Controversies
Cole Kmet’s public and professional career has been largely free of significant controversies. He has maintained a reputation as a dedicated athlete and a professional individual. Media reports and public records do not indicate any major issues or challenges that have generated widespread factual controversy. His focus has remained on his performance on the field and his contributions to the Chicago Bears. While like any athlete, he faces the pressures of professional sports and media scrutiny, these have not escalated into notable controversies.
Social Media Presence
Cole Kmet maintains an active presence on social media platforms, allowing him to connect with fans and share aspects of his professional and personal life. He can be found on:
- Instagram: Cole Kmet utilizes Instagram to post updates about his football career, training, and personal milestones, including moments with his now-wife, Emily Jarosz Kmet.
- Twitter (now X): Kmet also engages with fans and provides updates through his Twitter (X) account.
While specific real-time follower counts for his official accounts were not readily available in the search results, his engagement across these platforms contributes to his public image and connection with the fan base.
Final Words about Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet stands as a testament to dedication, versatility, and the realization of a childhood dream. From his origins as a two-sport phenom in Illinois to becoming a cornerstone of the Chicago Bears’ offense, his journey reflects consistent growth and unwavering commitment. As a professional tight end, he has steadily evolved into a reliable target and a valuable asset for his team, evidenced by his significant contract extension and rising statistical contributions. His ability to perform in crucial moments and even step into unconventional roles, such as emergency long snapper, underscores his team-first mentality.
Beyond the gridiron, Kmet exemplifies professionalism and community engagement, earning recognition like the Jeff Dickerson Good Guy Award for his exemplary interactions with the media. His recent marriage to Emily Jarosz marks a new personal chapter, built on a long-standing relationship that complements his flourishing career.
Looking ahead, Cole Kmet is positioned to continue making significant contributions to the Chicago Bears. His leadership, consistent performance, and positive influence both on and off the field are likely to further shape his legacy. As the Bears continue to build for future success, Kmet remains a central figure, dedicated to achieving the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl championship for his hometown team. His story is one of a local talent who achieved his aspirations, embodying the spirit of Chicago football for years to come.
