Nikola Kalinic Bio
Nikola Kalinic, born on January 21, 1997, is a Serbian-Canadian professional football tight end who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He has built his career across the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the NFL, having previously spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 246 pounds, Kalinic is known for his work as a blocker and pass catcher on offense, and he has also contributed on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Nikola Kalinic was born on January 21, 1997, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in the Toronto area and attended Silverthorn, a local high school, where he began his organized football career. Kalinic is of Serbian descent, a heritage he has continued to identify with throughout his life.
Coming from a Canadian city with deep football roots, Kalinic developed his athletic skills at a young age. His size and athleticism made him a natural fit for the tight end position, and he continued to grow into the role as he moved through the youth football ranks in Ontario.
Path to American Football
After finishing high school at Silverthorn, Kalinic chose to stay close to home and play U Sports football for the York Lions from 2015 to 2018. Over his four years with the program, he recorded 38 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns. During his time at York, he became the first football player in school history to be named an OUA All-Star twice in a single season, earning recognition on both offense and special teams.
His combination of size, blocking ability, and reliable hands made him an attractive prospect for professional teams north of the border. In the 2019 CFL Draft, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats selected Kalinic in the second round, tenth overall, and he signed his first professional contract on May 17, 2019.
Nikola Kalinic Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Kalinic made an immediate impression with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He played in his first professional game on June 13, 2019 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Just nine days later, on June 22, 2019, he scored his first career CFL touchdown on a 31-yard pass from quarterback Jeremiah Masoli against the Toronto Argonauts. He finished his rookie season with 12 receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown in 16 regular season games.
In 2019, Kalinic also played in his first post-season game, helping the Tiger-Cats win the East Final against the Edmonton Eskimos and reach the 107th Grey Cup, where they ultimately lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The 2020 CFL season was canceled due to external circumstances, but Kalinic returned in 2021 to play all 14 regular season games, recording 11 catches for 86 yards, one touchdown, and eight special teams tackles. He also played in all three post-season contests, including his second consecutive Grey Cup appearance, again ending in defeat to Winnipeg in the 108th Grey Cup.
Indianapolis Colts (2022)
Kalinic signed with the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL in 2022 and was waived on August 30, 2022. He quickly signed to the practice squad the following day and worked his way back onto the active roster on December 13, 2022. He was waived by the Colts on May 4, 2023, having earned his first NFL regular season exposure during the 2022 campaign.
Los Angeles Rams (2023–2024)
On July 14, 2023, Kalinic signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad to continue his development. On January 16, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams. He was waived again on August 27, 2024, and returned to the practice squad, where he contributed on special teams and as a blocking tight end.
Atlanta Falcons (2025)
Kalinic signed a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons on January 28, 2025. He was waived by the team on August 23, 2025, ending his brief time on the Falcons roster before joining another NFC club.
Chicago Bears Era (2025–Present)
On August 28, 2025, Kalinic signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad, joining a young and developing roster in the NFC North. With his experience as both a tight end and a core special teams player, Kalinic provides the Bears with valuable depth and versatility. He continues to work toward a larger role on the active roster as the 2025 season unfolds.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kalinic’s game is built around his blocking ability, reliable hands, and physicality as a move tight end. He excels on special teams, where his tackling and coverage skills have earned him consistent playing time. His mix of size, football IQ, and willingness to do the dirty work makes him a coach-friendly addition to any roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Kalinic’s standout moments are scoring his first CFL touchdown on his first career reception, playing in back-to-back Grey Cup games in 2019 and 2021, and becoming the first York Lions football player to be named an OUA All-Star twice in one season.
Nikola Kalinic Career Wins
While Kalinic has not been a featured statistical leader, his career has been highlighted by post-season appearances and key early-career milestones. His two Grey Cup appearances with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and his continued presence on NFL practice squads reflect his value as a dependable team player.
CFL Highlights
In the CFL, Kalinic recorded 23 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns across his time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He played in 30 regular season games, along with multiple post-season contests, including two Grey Cup appearances. His most memorable CFL moment came on June 22, 2019, when he caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Jeremiah Masoli for his first professional score.
Nikola Kalinic Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nikola Kalinic comes from a Serbian family that settled in the Toronto area. He has remained proud of his Serbian heritage throughout his professional career.
Personal Life
Off the field, Kalinic is known for his quiet, team-first personality. He has focused much of his public attention on his football career and his continued growth as a professional.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Nikola Kalinic. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons in January, he was waived in late August and quickly picked up by the Chicago Bears practice squad on August 28, 2025. With the Bears, he has a clear opportunity to compete for a depth role on a young tight end depth chart.
Kalinic’s value in 2025 comes from his versatility as a blocker, receiver, and special teams contributor. While his practice squad status limits his statistical output, his experience in both the CFL and NFL gives him a strong foundation to contribute when called upon.
Looking ahead, Kalinic will aim to push for a promotion to the Bears’ active roster and continue building on a career that has already spanned multiple professional leagues and memorable post-season moments.