In this day and age of pursuing versatility and economic sensibility all without giving up quality enters the idea of hybrids.
From cars to radios to buildings, hybrids have pushed common, ordinary, and everyday items to the forefront.
Even football, at its highest level of competition in the NFL, is not exempt from the idea of hybrids.
Firstly, emerging around the early 1950s, football transitioned from the “one-platoon system” into position-specified offensive and defensive dedicated squads.
Secondly, the evolution of the game created the need for players with a new skillset; blocking, running, and catching all rolled into one.
Thirdly, combining the strength of a lineman, speed of a halfback, and hands of a receiver created the tight end position.
Tight ends are now as popular as quarterbacks thanks to the skills of Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez.
Wanting to elevate the competition on the field and give back to the community, one player’s passion turned into reality.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle hosted 49 players from around the league to the first annual Tight End University.
What TEU is all about 🙇♂️💪#uniTE #TEU pic.twitter.com/ZCdZgBM7b3
— TEU (@te_university) June 29, 2021
George Kittle Unites The Best Tight Ends In The League
Working to perfect their craft, Kittle invited tight ends of all levels from across the NFL to the three-day event.
As a result, the Iowa alum called upon former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and current Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
The inaugural clinic offered a chance for the best tight ends to share their secrets on and off the gridiron.
Respect the position.
First @te_university summit: ✅ #uniTE pic.twitter.com/KvAZxO5YNy
— NFL (@NFL) June 27, 2021
Combining classroom time with lesson plans from playmakers across the league, Tight End University took learning beyond the field.
For example, players focused on film study, technique, and on-field drills with the goal to raise the play at the tight end position.
Class is in session. 🎓📚✏️ #uniTE #TEU pic.twitter.com/QrcGEja1m3
— TEU (@te_university) June 24, 2021
Kittle wanted to give tight ends in the NFL a chance to share their knowledge, stating:
“My goal is to bring all these guys together. Tight end is a position where you have to run block, pass pro, run routes, catch the ball, run routes on DB’s, you have to get to the second level on linebackers, run routes against safeties – like, you kind of have to do everything. So why not bring all the world’s best to one location and then learn from each other.”
Likewise, New York Giants tight end Levine Toilolo agreed and said:
“To get together and hang out, pick each other’s brains, see what they see, and break things down is great. This is the first of its kind for tight ends. I got the [call] and it was pure excitement.”
Summer Camps Across the NFL Fosters Idea for Tight End University
The thought for Tight End University came to Kittle after positional summits started popping up across the NFL.
Denver Broncos defensive rusher Von Miller united edge players for a clinic to refine their skills with other playmakers.
Kittle watched Philadelphia Eagles offensive blocker Lane Johnson host about 50 linemen at the Masterminds Summit.
Players joining TEU included Las Vegas Raiders’ Darren Waller, New England Patriots’ Jonnu Smith, and Atlanta Falcons rookie Kyle Pitts.
49ers wide receiver turned tight end Jordan Matthews realize the value of such an event, stating:
“If you have the opportunity to be around the best, you always take it. Just that energy, these are guys that are all gunning for that top spot. You can feel that.”
Training in the offseason at Nashville’s AthElite Performance with coach Jeremy Holt, Kittle said in an interview with ESPN:
“There’s a holiday [National Tight Ends Day on the last Sunday of October], so why don’t we have a tight end summit? Why not have a little time where we can come together and learn from the best in the country.”
Olsen, TEU co-host and clinic instructor added:
“There are QB camps and other positions that steal the attention. But, the tight end role has become a prominent role throughout the league, too.”
You think @tkelce was excited for Day 1 of @te_university? 😂@gkittle46 | @gregolsen88 pic.twitter.com/fpaVLCQrCF
— NFL (@NFL) June 24, 2021
TEU Gives Back To The Kids
The clinic not only helps build teamwork but also gives its time and raises money for local and national charities.
TEU hosted a youth football camp, contributed to the HEARTest Yard, and gave $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club.
The guys from @te_university wore #PlayForTJ shirts to support Greg Olsen's foundation The HEARTest Yard.
The foundation helps Greg's son TJ and others kids who were born with heart defects. ❤️ (via @gregolsen88) pic.twitter.com/MNCtgomR4k
— NFL (@NFL) June 25, 2021
With the successful turnout of this year’s clinic, you can expect these tight ends to be back next year.
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