George Kittle, the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, is setting the tone for Tight End University, an annual training summit where the best players in the position come together to elevate their game. The summit has captured the football world’s attention this week, with its unique blend of fun activities and serious skill development. Among the highlights were a concert featuring Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, and Kane Brown, offering tight ends not just training sessions, but also a chance to bond and enjoy entertainment. However, the true mission of this event, as emphasized by Kittle and fellow tight ends Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen, is to raise the standards of tight end play across the league.
Tight End University is not just a one-day event but a multi-day program with a focus on skill development and understanding of the position. The players, who numbered over 80 from around the NFL, engaged in meetings and training sessions with some of the best minds in the game. At Vanderbilt University’s meeting room, Kittle led an intense session where he shared insights from his former coach, Jon Embree, who had a reputation for leaving notecards in his players’ lockers with instructions on how to be great in the tight end position.
Kittle’s messages were clear and focused on the essentials of the position. He emphasized physicality, telling players to ‘make the first man miss’ and to avoid being tackled by the first person they encounter. He also highlighted the importance of knowing more than anyone else about the quarterback’s play, something he learned the hard way during his first NFL game. Kittle shared that after his first half, his coach, Jon Embree, ripped into him, which made him realize the gravity of the position and the need to perform at the highest level.
Kittle took the time to showcase plays from the tight ends in attendance, including examples from Kelce, Dallas Goedert, Sam LaPorta, and others. Each play demonstrated a key principle of tight end play, from making explosive moves to maintaining control of the ball while running and blocking. The group’s goal is to ensure that all tight ends understand the standards of excellence and are equipped to take their game to the next level.
Kittle’s leadership is particularly notable as a former tight end who had to work hard for his place in the NFL, but is now a role model for younger players. His message is one of dedication and excellence, and he’s making sure that every tight end who attends Tight End University understands the importance of their role and the need to perform at their best.
The event is a testament to the importance of skill development and team cohesion in the NFL. Tight ends, despite their small size, play an instrumental role in both the running and passing game, and the best players in the league are those who can adapt and excel in all situations. The collaboration among these players, as well as their willingness to share knowledge, is what makes Tight End University a unique and valuable event for all tight ends in the NFL.
As the tight ends prepare to return to their teams, the lessons learned at Tight End University are not just for the next season but for a career. The dedication and focus displayed by Kittle and the others are a reminder that excellence in football is a continuous process, and that the right mindset can make all the difference in the game.