San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle never expected Tight End University to become what it is today.
What began as a lighthearted idea among Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen has become one of the NFL’s most distinctive and cherished offseason customs. Tight ends from all over the league get together for the yearly summit to train, network and honor a frequently disregarded position.
George Kittle Reflects on Tight End University’s Growth to 80 Players and Its Lasting Impact on NFL Brotherhood
Now in its fifth year, TEU hosted nearly 80 players in 2025. And for Kittle, it’s still surreal.
“When we first planned it out, we expected to have 15 to 20 guys, like, once,” Kittle said with a laugh. “And then it just went so well with the first 50 [players] that we were like, ‘Hey, let’s try it again!’ And it just keeps growing and growing.”
During a Zoom call to promote the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament that Kittle will play in from July 9–13 on NBC and The Golf Channel, the 49ers star gave some insight into the evolution of TEU and the reasons it still holds such importance.
“We threw a concert last year, threw a concert this year, and we’re just thoroughly enjoying providing some fun opportunities for the tight ends to get together,” Kittle said. “We wanted to create something special for our position, and it’s turned into a real brotherhood.”
George Kittle & Taylor Swift this week at Tight End University 😂 pic.twitter.com/7aO6PJkDuz
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) June 27, 2025
While the drills, film sessions and off-field events get plenty of attention, Kittle says the relationships keep guys returning year after year.
“One of my favorite things is when I get a vet, like a guy going into year four, five, six, and they come up to me, Travis, or Greg and say, ‘I just want to say thanks so much for continuing to include me. I pick something up every single year,’” Kittle said. “It means the world.”
About 20 players have attended every year since the start, and according to Kittle, they’re some of the most vocal about how impactful the experience has been.
“They’re always so appreciative of the time we spend together,” Kittle added. “And the best part? I’ve made so many new friends across the league. Now, when I line up on Sundays, I see a familiar face across the field almost every week. Hopefully we win, but either way, I get to say ‘What’s up?’ to a buddy.”
As it keeps expanding, Tight End University is evidently more than simply a party or a workout. Kittle and his co-founders want to build a long-lasting community and improve the tight end position in a way that nobody anticipated but that everyone now values.