Newsstand: Former Michigan TE Colston Loveland is ‘invited to the cookout’
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Chicago, the Bears were holding their first team meeting of the season. Excitement buzzed through the air as the players, coaches, and staff gathered in the meeting room, eager to kick off the new season. Among the sea of familiar faces, one new addition stood out – Colston Loveland, the former Michigan tight end and the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Loveland had been highly touted coming out of college, with scouts raving about his size, speed, and hands. The Bears had high hopes for him, envisioning him as a key piece of their offense for years to come. As the team settled in for the meeting, all eyes were on the rookie, eager to see what he could bring to the table.
As the meeting began, the head coach, Coach Johnson, took the floor. He spoke about the upcoming season, the team’s goals, and the importance of working together as a unit. Loveland listened intently, taking in every word and committing himself to being the best teammate he could be.
After Coach Johnson’s speech, it was time for the players to introduce themselves. Loveland stood up, a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through him. He introduced himself to his new teammates, sharing a bit about his background and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Bears.
As he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the room. Then, suddenly, a roar of laughter erupted from the players. Loveland looked around, confused, until he realized what had caused the reaction. In his nervousness, he had accidentally referred to himself as “Colston Loveboat” instead of Loveland.
The room erupted in laughter, with players slapping each other on the back and teasing Loveland good-naturedly. Loveland blushed, but he couldn’t help but laugh along with them. It was a rookie mistake, but one that endeared him to his teammates and showed them that he was just like them – human and prone to slip-ups.
As the laughter died down, one of the team captains, veteran linebacker Marcus Johnson, stood up. He clapped Loveland on the shoulder and said, “Welcome to the team, Loveboat. We’re glad to have you here.” The room erupted in cheers and applause, and Loveland felt a warm sense of acceptance wash over him.
After the meeting, the team headed out to the practice field for their first training session of the season. Loveland was eager to get started, to show his teammates and coaches what he was capable of. As he ran drills, caught passes, and blocked defenders, he felt a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before.
As the day came to a close, the Bears’ social media team posted a tweet about Loveland’s rookie moment, dubbing him “invited to the cookout.” The tweet quickly went viral, with fans and media outlets alike sharing their thoughts on the newest member of the Bears’ roster.
Loveland’s phone buzzed with notifications, as friends, family, and fans reached out to congratulate him on his successful debut. He felt a swell of pride and gratitude for the support he had received, knowing that he was part of something bigger than himself.
As the days and weeks passed, Loveland continued to impress his teammates and coaches with his work ethic, talent, and personality. He quickly became a fan favorite, with his infectious smile and positive attitude winning over even the most skeptical of critics.
On game days, Loveland shined, making crucial catches, blocking key defenders, and scoring touchdowns that electrified the crowd. His teammates rallied around him, celebrating his successes and lifting him up when he faced challenges.
As the season progressed, the Bears found themselves in the playoff hunt, with a chance to make a deep run in the postseason. Loveland’s contributions were a key factor in their success, with his play on the field and his leadership in the locker room inspiring his teammates to greater heights.
In the end, the Bears fell just short of their ultimate goal, losing in the NFC Championship game. But as the players trudged off the field, heads held high, they knew that they had given it their all. And as they gathered in the locker room for one final team meeting, they knew that they had a bright future ahead of them, with Loveland leading the way.
As the offseason began, Loveland took some time to reflect on his rookie season. He thought about the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the lessons he had learned along the way. He knew that he still had much to prove, much to improve upon, but he was confident that he was on the right path.
As he looked ahead to the next season, Loveland felt a sense of excitement and determination. He knew that he had the talent, the drive, and the support of his teammates to achieve great things. And as he stepped onto the field for the first practice of the new season, he knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be – a Chicago Bear, invited to the cookout.
Source: On3.com