For years, NFL offseasons revolved around quarterback academies like the Manning Passing Academy or high-profile receiver workouts. Linemen had their gritty trench camps.
But one position was left out of the conversation-tight ends. That all changed in 2021 when Greg Olsen, George Kittle, and Travis Kelce teamed up to launch Tight End University (TEU) in Nashville, Tennessee. What started as a niche idea has since become an annual staple, entering its fifth year as the go-to developmental program for tight ends.
Unlike many flashy, sponsor-driven offseason events, TEU keeps its focus on the fundamentals. The vibe is collaborative, not commercial.
At its core, TEU is a place where veterans pass down insights, rookies ask hard questions, and everyone gets better together. Whether it’s breaking down tape with Kelce or grinding through footwork drills with Kittle, the three-day summit is designed to elevate the game’s most versatile and physically demanding position.
A tailored offseason for a specialized role
Set to take place from June 23 to 26, 2025, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TEU is returning to familiar territory. The university’s high-end facilities offer the ideal backdrop for a packed schedule that includes on-field training, film sessions, and recovery workshops.
Each co-founder brings something unique to the table. Travis Kelce, known for his unmatched route running and coverage manipulation, leads film breakdowns. He helps participants dissect defensive schemes and understand the mental chess game of creating separation. Alongside him, former NFL great Greg Olsen takes the role of mentor and strategist, using his 14-year career to guide young tight ends in mastering the game’s nuances.
On the field, George Kittle runs the show. Widely regarded as one of the best blocking and receiving tight ends in the game, Kittle leads high-intensity drills focused on footwork, leverage, and route execution. But it’s not all sweat and reps-TEU also emphasizes wellness. Recovery strategies, injury prevention, and “chalk talks” give attendees a complete look at what it takes to survive and thrive for a full NFL season.
Although the full list of attendees hasn’t been announced, Kittle teased on Instagram that invites are going out, and preparations are in full swing. What’s certain is that TEU will continue to be a must-attend event for tight ends across the league, from Pro Bowlers to first-year players.
As Kittle prepares to host this year’s TEU, he does so with a significant milestone in sight. After an impressive 2024 season-78 catches, 1,106 yards, eight touchdowns, and a sixth Pro Bowl nod-the 49ers rewarded him with a massive four-year, $76.4 million extension, making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
With the deal keeping him in San Francisco through 2029, Kittle is on track to join the elite 10-Year Club with the franchise.
Through both his on-field dominance and his leadership off it, George Kittle continues to shape the future of the tight end position. And with TEU Year 5 on the horizon, he’s not just training for the next season-he’s helping define what it means to be a tight end in the modern NFL.
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