Tight End University (TEU), traditionally a three-day summit for NFL tight ends, has grown into a family-centric event, drawing not only players but also their partners. Originally established in 2021 by tight end stars Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and former Panthers legend Greg Olsen, the summit has expanded dramatically, now hosting over 80 players. This year’s gathering in Nashville featured the unexpected presence of music icon Taylor Swift, who joined the event to support Kelce. The summit, held at Vanderbilt University, has become a platform for players to engage with their families, fostering deeper connections beyond the field. With a growing number of wives, girlfriends, and families joining, TEU has expanded its scope, offering a blend of sports development and quality family time.
Olsen, a former NFL tight end and FOX NFL broadcaster, emphasized the importance of family in the evolving TEU experience. He reflected on how the players have transitioned from being single individuals to fathers and husbands, with their families playing a crucial role in their development. “We’ve seen guys not only grow on the field but also grow personally, as we’ve gotten to know their families, their kids, their wives, their girlfriends, their parents, kind of the entire picture,” he said. The presence of families adds a new dimension to the summit, creating an environment of camaraderie and support that extends beyond the football field.
The event also includes opportunities for younger players and their families to participate. Kids from past and present players were running around the Vanderbilt University campus, mingling with some of the game’s best tight ends, including Olsen. This intergenerational aspect of TEU allows for the passing of knowledge and experiences, creating a sense of continuity within the tight end community. “You meet new friends, you get to talk to them before and after the games, which is so special,” said Philadelphia Eagles star Dallas Goedert, highlighting the value of these interactions. “Then, being able to pick people’s brains, put a couple more tools in your tool bag, and be able to work out here and see it.”
Additionally, the summit has seen the involvement of business partners and sponsors, who have recognized the growing popularity of the event. Peter Raskin, founder of Rubicon Talent and a founding partner of TEU, noted the expansion in both participants and the event’s offerings. “With 50 of the 80 players bringing their wives or girlfriends, we have an entire operation going on at the Thompson Hotel—facials, massages, wellness, saunas, cold plunges. They’re doing a brunch. They’re going on a shopping trip. The wives make it go,” Raskin said. This level of engagement has not only increased the summit’s appeal but also reinforced the idea that TEU is more than a sports event—it’s a family-friendly gathering that promotes both personal and professional growth for its attendees.