Imagine being a rookie in the NFL, dominating on the field, and then realizing you’ve got to figure out how to turn a new house into a home. That’s the reality for Colston Loveland, the Michigan-born tight end who’s not just breaking records but also breaking into the Chicago Bears’ history books. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Loveland isn’t just a football phenom—he’s also a young man navigating adulthood in a new city, and he’s doing it with style. Let’s dive into how he’s crushing it both on and off the field.
First, the stats. Loveland is a force to be reckoned with. Counting the playoffs, he leads all Chicago Bears in targets and receiving yards this season. According to Sumer Sports, he’s the highest-rated rookie tight end in yards per route run—a testament to his speed and precision. And this is the part most people miss: he’s also one of the top five tight ends in Total EPA (Expected Points Added), a metric that highlights his overall impact on the game. Oh, and did we mention he just became the first rookie in NFL history to have 8 or more catches and 100+ receiving yards in a playoff game? Yeah, he’s kind of a big deal. Sports Info Solutions even ranks him among the top ten run-blocking tight ends in the league. On the field, he’s a beast—or, as Caleb Williams puts it, a ‘home run.’
But off the field, Loveland’s story is just as compelling. At just 21 years old, he’s settling into a new city and a new home. To make the transition smoother, he partnered with Crate & Barrel, a Chicago-founded brand headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois—just a stone’s throw from Halas Hall. Specifically, he tapped into their ‘Design Desk’ service, a comprehensive program that offers consultations, floor plans, previews, and expert advice. I had the chance to explore this process, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to create a functional and stylish living space.
The service is free and takes just a couple of months, with a dedicated designer guiding every step. Loveland shared his experience: ‘As a first-time homeowner, I didn’t know where to start. Crate & Barrel’s Design Desk helped me make decisions room by room, from layout and furniture selection to the final details. My designer created a calm, cozy home that’s perfect for relaxing after training days or games.’
Crate & Barrel’s team is particularly proud of the living room, Loveland’s favorite space. Anchored by big, comfortable seating like the Retreat Sofa, it features a football-themed wall that adds character without sacrificing the room’s serene vibe. It’s a space designed for bringing people together—something Loveland clearly values.
And this is where it gets personal. Loveland, standing near the 99th percentile in height, needed a home tailored to his size. His designer focused on larger-scale pieces, like the Drew Swivel XL Chair, ensuring comfort and functionality. Loveland noted, ‘Comfort was most important to me, and my designer nailed it.’
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: this partnership likely has multiple layers, from brand exposure to mutual benefits. But here’s the controversial part: Is it fair to expect young athletes like Loveland to juggle peak performance on the field while also navigating adulthood off it? Or should teams and organizations provide more support in these areas? It’s a question worth discussing.
Regardless, Loveland’s approach to creating a home that supports his mindset and recovery is undeniably smart. As he puts it, ‘Coming home to the redesigned space makes me feel relaxed, grounded, and grateful—huge for my mindset and recovery after games and training.’
So, what do you think? Is Loveland’s partnership with Crate & Barrel a genius move, or just another example of athletes being used for brand promotion? And should more young athletes prioritize creating a home environment that supports their mental and physical well-being? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. Go Bears!
