You know how quarterbacks in the off-season have their elite passing academies, like the Manning Passing Academy. Or how the receivers link up for flashy offseason workouts, and lineman have their gritty trenches clinics. But tight ends? For the longest time, they had… well, nothing. So, back in 2021, Greg Olsen, George Kittle, and Travis Kelce decided to fix the oversight. And just like that, Tight End University was born in Nashville, with vibes and reps.
And if you’re thinking that TEU is all about flashy, sponsor-heavy things—yeah, not exactly. TEU is about film breakdowns with Kelce, footwork drills with Kittle, and real talk on staying healthy for 17+ weeks. It’s where a rookie can ask, “How do you block that edge guy?” and get an answer from someone who’s done it a hundred times. Kittle and Kelce have been doing it for four years, and now we’re in year five.
After the 2025 NFL draft is done and dusted in Green Bay, almost a couple of weeks back, we’re now in the next phase of the 2025 NFL offseason. And that means only one thing… well, one of the many things—Kelce and Kittle are returning with year 5 of the Tight End University. Yup, that’s actually happening.
Almost a couple of months ago, George Kittle hopped up to his official IG handle and announced that the TEU is returning to Nashville, Tennessee. It’s schedule, you ask? It’s from June 23rd to June 26th. The three-day event will be held at Vanderbilt University in Nashville’s West End. A perfect location for the tight ends, given the university’s facilities guarantee an ideal setting for the event’s various activities. We’re talking on-field drills, film study sessions, and recovery workshops.
In simple terms, the TEU is ‘by the tight ends for the tight ends.’ The curriculum features film study, where basically the Chiefs‘ star tight end, Travis Kelce, switches his main gig of stretching the field to break down how to torch coverages. And he’s not alone. Kelce has been accompanied by the NFL legend, Greg Olsen, as he also breaks down film for the NFL TEs. After all, who are the better guys to learn how to enhance your football IQ from?
Then there are on-field drills—the sessions mainly focus on practicing route running, blocking techniques, and footwork to refine physical skills. And who’s in charge? Yup, it’s the 49ers‘ veteran, George Kittle. Besides, the three-day event will also feature recovery sessions (sessions on injury prevention and rehab alike), and chalk talks, which you can also call strategy sessions. After all, while being physical on the field matters, having a solid game plan is just as important.
And at the center of this curriculum is Olsen, who ensures that the TEU curriculum is comprehensive and tailored to the unique demands of the tight end role. And oh, he also shares his extensive knowledge while coaching and mentoring the TEs. The guy ensures to use his 14-year of experience in the pros to bring out the best of his fellow young TEs.
Speaking of which, for the time being, there’s no official confirmation of the attendees.“Tight End University is back for Year 5️⃣!! Mark your calendars for June 23-26th for all things TEU. NFL Tight Ends….Keep an eye out for your official invite in the coming days,” Kittle’s post reads. Well, at this point, we can assume the TEU will soon announce the list of attendees. But one candidate is confirmed, George Kittle will be entering the TEU year 5 as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
After all, George Kittle will retire in San Francisco
Last season, Kittle entered the gridiron playing his eighth season for the 49ers as part of the final season of his five-year deal with the team. And get this, the 31-year-old tight end made sure to make it one of the best seasons of his career. We’re talking 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 starts. And oh, along the way, the guy earned Pro Bowl honors for the sixth time. Talk about a thrilling way to catch the front office’s attention. After all, Kittle was due for a deserving contract extension.
After the 2024 season wrapped up, he declared, “I said it yesterday, I want to be a Niner for my entire career. I love wearing the Red and Gold. And, whatever the front office wants to do, I’m all ears.” Fast forward, and Kittle snagged a four-year $76.4 million deal that will make him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. The contract terms include $35 million guaranteed at signing and will keep him through 2029 in San Francisco.
But that’s not all. Because the last time we checked, Kittle completed eight seasons with the Niners. And now that he’s through for four more years, that means only one thing. The 31-year-old is on track to join the 49ers’ 10-year club. A club that honors the players who spent 10 seasons with the Niners.
Kittle is now entering the ninth season of his career with the San Francisco team. One more season and there you go. He’ll become the 52nd player to join the 49ers’ 10-year club. And give his current form, George Kittle is far from slowing down.
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