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
Erewhon and Function launch 'World's Healthiest Smoothie' with 160 lab tests to back it up

Erewhon and Function Collaborate to Introduce the ‘World’s Healthiest Smoothie,’ Backed by Extensive Lab Testing

Step aside, Hailey Bieber—there’s a new $25 must-have making waves at Erewhon,…
Rhode Island hockey shooter ID'd as transgender father Robert Dorgan

Unveiling the Truth: Rhode Island Hockey Shooter Identified as Transgender Parent Robert Dorgan

Authorities have identified the shooter responsible for the tragic incident at a…
Anderson Cooper announces his exit from '60 Minutes'

Anderson Cooper Bids Farewell to ’60 Minutes’ – What’s Next for the Renowned Journalist?

Longtime correspondent Anderson Cooper has announced his departure from CBS’s esteemed newsmagazine…
Chicagoans remember Rev. Jesse Jackson as advocating for civil rights and social justice.

Chicago Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Legacy in Civil Rights and Social Justice Advocacy

CHICAGO (WLS) — The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson has prompted an…
'Not a step toward a solution'

Why This New Measure Falls Short of Solving the Problem

In a recent strategic shift, Russia altered its lineup for the latest…
'Clown': Gavin Newsom Files Hurt Feelings Report on Ted Cruz, Commits Embarrassing Self-Own Instead

California vs. Texas: Gavin Newsom’s Blunder in Feud with Ted Cruz Sparks Online Frenzy

As 2026 unfolds, the Democratic Party finds itself in a familiar position,…
Trump Mocks Hillary’s Meltdown in Munich, Points Out Democrats' Epstein Charade Has Backfired on Them

Trump Taunts Hillary’s Munich Misstep: How the Democrats’ Epstein Strategy Boomeranged

President Trump criticized Hillary Clinton after she labeled her forthcoming testimony before…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Jacksonville Shooting: Head Trauma Survivor’s Miraculous Recovery Sparks Police Investigation

Authorities in Jacksonville report a shooting incident where a man in his…
A man was seen running after a repossessed car, opening fire.

Dramatic Footage Captures Gunman Opening Fire During Texas Vehicle Repossession; Arrest Made After Bullet Strikes SUV

In a startling incident captured on video, a suspect was seen opening…
100 US troops land in Nigeria as Islamic militants threaten West Africa regional security

100 US Troops Arrive in Nigeria Amid Rising Threats from Islamic Militants in West Africa

Approximately 100 U.S. military personnel and equipment have arrived in Nigeria as…
NY is losing jobs to Texas — and Mamdani's tax push will worsen exodus: report

Texas Job Boom: NY Faces Further Losses Amid Mamdani’s Tax Proposal, Report Reveals

New York is experiencing a significant migration of jobs to Texas, and…
Georgia teacher killed in crash after illegal migrant flees ICE stop: DHS

Tragic Collision: Georgia Teacher’s Life Cut Short in ICE Pursuit Involving Undocumented Migrant

A tragic incident in Savannah, Georgia, has left a community mourning after…