Chicago Bears news: St. Viator High School cheering on alum Cole Kmet as Bears continue playoff run, face Los Angeles Rams
Share this @internewscast.com

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — Chicago Bears supporters are rallying in various creative ways as they gear up for the team’s playoff showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.

Among the many enthusiastic fans, a group of teachers from the northwest suburbs is planning a special dance tribute to honor a Bears standout player.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This season’s triumphs have injected excitement throughout the Chicago region, particularly at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, where the school shares a deep connection with the Bears.

Anticipating a big win, a team of educators and staff at St. Viator is perfecting their rendition of the iconic Super Bowl Shuffle.

The school’s dedication to the Bears is evident, especially since some faculty members once taught Bears tight end Cole Kmet during his student days. One such person is Mike Manno, who coached Kmet in baseball.

“I’ve always said this about Cole: he’s an even better person than he is an athlete, and he’s among the finest athletes out there,” Manno remarked. “He truly represents everything we stand for at St. Viator.”

St. Viator has a lot of connections to the Bears. Former Bears kicker Robbie Gould is the football coach, and Walter Payton’s son Jarrett also played there.

Cole Kmet was on the homecoming court during his time there. A few years later, he was a second-round NFL Draft choice in 2020 from Notre Dame. He has been a mainstay at tight end ever since.

Kmet played football and baseball when he was at St. Viator. In fact, they won the baseball state championship in 2017. Cole was a pitcher. His close friend Cori Korab was a teammate.

“It’s almost unbelievable he was walking through these halls with me, now the big stage in the NFL,” Korab said.

Kmet brings his baseball past to the football field after every touchdown with a celebratory home run swing.

The current student-athletes at his alma mater are watching and cheering him on.

“It’s a great connection,” St. Viator Football player Peter Lafleur said. “As a bears fan it makes me feel closer. It’s really cool knowing I’m wearing the same stuff Cole did.”

Kmet will be back there in late February. He and his baseball teammates are being inducted into the St. Viator athletic hall of fame.

“I definitely look up to Cole, not only as a great athlete, but definitely a human being,” St. Viator Baseball player Jonny Tschanz said.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Don Lemon details his LA arrest to Jimmy Kimmel: 'They want to instill fear'

Don Lemon Reveals Shocking Details of LA Arrest on Jimmy Kimmel: The Tactics of Fear

LOS ANGELES — Don Lemon broke his silence on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”…
Trump demands $1 billion from Harvard as a prolonged standoff appears to deepen

Trump Intensifies Legal Battle, Seeks $1 Billion from Harvard Amid Escalating Standoff

In a dramatic escalation of his ongoing dispute with Harvard University, President…
Couples say they paid wedding videographer Tony Scott of Magic Moment Wedding Films thousands, but he didn't deliver the footage

Unveiling the Truth: Couples Left Without Memories as Wedding Videographer Vanishes with Thousands

CHICAGO (WLS) — For many, a wedding is among life’s most cherished…
Appeals court overturns conviction of UCLA gynecologist over issue at trial

Shocking Turnaround: Appeals Court Reverses Conviction of UCLA Gynecologist Due to Trial Missteps

An appeals court in California has overturned the sexual abuse conviction of…
Emmy-winning 'The Simpsons' writer Dan McGrath dies at 61

Three Dog Night Co-Founder Chuck Negron Passes Away at 83

Chuck Negron, the distinctive voice behind several iconic tracks such as “Joy…
Trump Wants No Changes to Government Funding Bill

Trump Advocates for Status Quo in Government Funding Legislation

President Donald Trump announced on Monday his desire to maintain the integrity…
Illegal immigrant accused in DUI crash that killed college soccer player, girlfriend: report

Grieving Mother Criticizes Grammy Speeches Following Tragic DUI Crash by Undocumented Driver

A heartbroken mother from North Carolina is voicing her frustration towards Hollywood…
Erika Kirk urges court to provide 'meaningful' media access in trial of husband's alleged assassin

Erika Kirk Demands Full Media Transparency in High-Profile Assassination Trial

In a court submission on Monday, the widow of slain conservative figure…
Families of 3 Massachusetts women who died at Belize resort file $100m lawsuit against hotel, Expedia: report

Massive $100M Lawsuit Filed Against Belize Resort and Expedia After Tragic Deaths of Three Massachusetts Women

The families of three women from Massachusetts who tragically passed away from…
Makea Matthews death: Family of woman found dead in cold in Philadelphia seeks answers

Unraveling the Mystery: Family Desperately Seeks Justice for Makea Matthews Found Dead in Philadelphia Cold

PHILADELPHIA — A tragic discovery was made in Philadelphia as the body…
Mamdani urges Queens DA not to arrest mentally ill man shot by NYPD cops for charging them with knife

Queens Politician Calls on DA to Rethink Charges Against Mentally Ill Man Shot in Police Encounter

In a recent development that underscores the ongoing debate around mental health…
Donations surge for fallen NY officer and new mom following tragic death at hands of DWI suspect

Community Rallies with Generous Donations for Fallen NY Officer and New Mother After Tragic DWI Incident

In the span of just 48 hours, donations have surged to nearly…