In recent years, George Kittle has become more than a standout tight end for the San Francisco 49ers – he’s helped build a community for his peers across the league.
By co-founding Tight End University, Kittle has created a space where NFL tight ends, including Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, can share knowledge, improve their craft, and strengthen the bond among players at their position.
Kittle’s approachable, energetic style has made a lasting impression on his fellow tight ends, and his commitment to elevating the position is clear through both his leadership and his public statements.
Travis Kelce Explains Why San Francisco 49ers Tight End George Kittle Is Special
Kelce, who has worked closely with Kittle at Tight End University, recently discussed what sets Kittle apart during an appearance on the popular podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys.”
“George, he is Tight End U,” Kelce said. “His family, he lives here in Nashville. … Dude, (that training barn) is epic. It’s epic. That’s a (expletive) hell of a setup he’s got over there. But, yeah, I think his family helps run it.
“I know Claire helps a lot with the significant others and it’s just he’s embodied kind of the fun aspect of Tight End U and what it means to be a tight end and how much you can enjoy doing it but still being a tenacious (expletive).”
Podcast co-host Taylor Lewan added, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody have more fun playing football than him.”
Will Compton, the other co-host, asked Kelce if there’s a younger tight end who resembles Kittle, even if only in personality.
“I don’t think there’s another George out there, no,” Kelce said. “Not in terms of personality. He’s the only one. There’s only one of those guys. You’ve gotta be bat-shit crazy and football smart. I haven’t found one. I haven’t seen anybody like that.”
Kittle’s vision for Tight End University is inclusive: Any tight end currently on an NFL roster, or who was on one in the past year, is invited to participate. The event is designed to help players improve their skills in run blocking, pass protection, and yards after catch.
Meanwhile, Kelce shares his expertise on route running and reading coverages. Former tight end Jordan Reed has also contributed by speaking about his releases.
“We try to talk about all the things a tight end does because we’re the only position that gets to do everything: Pass pro, run blocking, catching the football, scoring touchdowns, running the ball sometimes, so we kind of try to cover as much as we can in the limited time we have with these guys and just give them a step forward in their careers to help them make a team in the upcoming camp,” Kittle told NBC Sports.
Kittle’s motivation for supporting his peers is simple: he wants to improve the tight end position and help others get paid.
After signing a four-year, $76 million extension with the 49ers this offseason, Kittle is focused on paying it forward, both on and off the field.
“I want everybody to have great games, just not against the 49ers,” Kittle said. “But throughout the rest of the season, they can play as well as they want to because I want guys to get paid, to keep bumping up that market so by the time that Brock Bowers is doing his contract in three years, he’s going for over $20 million.”