Kentucky football tight end Brenden Bates signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday.
Bates, who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, spent six seasons in Lexington starting in 2018.
He finished his collegiate career, having seen the field in four seasons, with 26 receptions for 272 yards, logging four receptions for 89 yards in 2023. He also attempted one kickoff return.
In 2023 he averaged 22.3 yards per reception with a long of 33 yards on a catch. In 2021 he scored his lone collegiate touchdown.
Bates will join the Bears, which had the No.