Cole Kmet understands something about Chicago that most athletes never articulate.
This is a city that carries its greatest moments with it at all times, where the Bears, the Cubs, the Bulls, and the Blackhawks are constantly measured against eras that still shape expectations today. Kmet wasn't diminishing that history or taking aim at it. He was acknowledging the reality of what it means to play in a market so deeply rooted in tradition, and why the opportunity in front of his team carries real weight.
Being a Chicago sports fan usually means you'll need some endurance. The Bears remain the only major sports team based in Chicago that hasn't won it all this millennium, and the 2025 team holds a certain team-of-destiny charm. The gravity of the situation is not lost on Kmet, and he exemplified just that in a press conference.
""I think Chicago is just a city deeply rooted in history, which is awesome, and it’s what makes it such a special place. But that being said, we want to build our own history here.""Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet understands that Bears must step up for city of Chicago
Kmet is being deliberate. Yes, Chicago will always be hung up on the past, but that doesn't mean its history and culture can't be added to. This season isn't about honoring banners from years past; it's about creating a foundation for sustainable success. This current Bears team can acknowledge the history while maintaining their current identity.
""We have a chance to do that on Saturday.""Cole Kmet
We've arrived on the threshold of playoff football, and the Bears at home are taking on the Packers for a rare third matchup in a single season. The division rivalry game is just the cherry on top of the historical sundae.
Though this game isn't Kmet's first playoff appearance, it is his first home playoff game. That distinction matters in a city where postseason moments tend to live far longer than regular season success, and where players are remembered for what they do when the stage is at its largest.
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Kmet wasn't just speaking in abstractions or nostalgia. He was outlining the difference between respecting Chicago's past and finally adding something meaningful to it.