A punishing blocker who helped power Iowa's ground game, Hayden Large signed with Chicago as an undrafted tight end built for the dirty work.
Hayden Large made his name at Iowa as a blocking tight end in an offense built around a physical rushing attack, and that identity carried him to Chicago as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Michigan native drew a personal call from head coach Ben Johnson before the draft, a sign the Bears see a role for him even with modest receiving numbers on his college resume.
Path to the league
Large is a Hudsonville, Michigan native who transferred to Iowa after starting his college career at Dordt College. At Iowa he became a key piece of a Hawkeyes rushing attack that produced roughly 2,300 yards and 28 touchdowns during his time there, with his blocking valued far more than his receiving totals.
Career highlights
Over his Iowa career, Large caught 14 passes for 89 yards, modest numbers that reflect his role as a run-blocking specialist rather than a featured pass-catcher. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the Bears, reuniting with fellow Hawkeye Logan Jones in Chicago.
2025 season recap
In his final season at Iowa in 2025, Large started eight of his 12 games and caught eight passes for 52 yards. His steady, physical play as a blocker impressed the Bears' coaching staff enough that Ben Johnson personally reached out before the draft to outline a vision for him in Chicago's offense.
Sources
- Chicago Bears: Hayden Large player page
- The Daily Iowan: Iowa tight end Hayden Large signed by Chicago Bears
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- Iowa
- Hometown
- Hudsonville, MI, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
