Three of the NFL’s best tight ends created “Tight End University” in 2021 in an effort to bring more respect and fame to one of football’s most overlooked positions. Travis Kelce will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while George Kittle may eventually have a strong case, too. Greg Olsen enjoyed a 14-year career in which he was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and earned second-team All-Pro twice. Kelce, Kittle and Olsen made “Tight End U” an annual event held in Nashville shortly before training camp.
Of course, Kelce, Kittle, and Olsen will lead the festivities this week at “Tight End U.” This year’s attendees include several young players who have yet to make their mark in the NFL. There will also be stars and retired players. Raiders star Brock Bowers will attend. Former Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas will also be in attendance.
What about the current Commanders?
Veteran starter Zach Ertz will not attend. Neither will top backup and blocking extraordinaire John Bates, or rising second-year TE Ben Sinnott. However, two of Washington’s other tight ends will attend: Cole Turner and Tyree Jackson.
Turner is entering his fourth season and has attended “Tight End U” before. Jackson is in his sixth NFL season. The former college quarterback has outstanding size and opened some eyes this offseason. Turner and Jackson likely face uphill battles to make Washington’s roster and need strong training camp performances.
Four #Jets tight ends will attend Tight End University — Jeremy Ruckert, Mason Taylor, Stone Smartt and Zack Kuntz.
NFL Live will broadcast tomorrow (4 to 5 pm, ESPN) from TEU.
IG: @te_universitypic.twitter.com/Y4zWSz2LQQ
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 23, 2025
It’s unclear why Ertz, Bates and Sinnott will not attend. It could just be that these players want to spend some extra time with family before the grind of another NFL season begins in a few weeks.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Two Commanders’ TEs to attend Tight End University