Latest news with #TightEndU
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN NFL survey is latest illustration that Iowa football is TEU
Many others have tried to claim the title, yet few have the evidence and data backing it that the Iowa Hawkeyes do. That title is the one and only "Tight End U," and it belongs to the Hawkeyes with their pipeline of tight ends making the jump to the NFL. The flow of tight ends to wear black and gold only to find success at the next level is as good as it has ever been right now, and the proof comes from a recent NFL survey, which saw Iowa dominate tight end rankings. In a survey from ESPN that polled NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, three former Iowa tight ends appear on the list for the top 10 tight ends in the league. Coming in at No. 2 on the list is one of Iowa's favorite sons, George Kittle. The San Francisco 49ers star tight end has proven that he has both the ability to block and catch, plus the longevity factor of continuing his high level of play for so long. Kittle is aging well. He's coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with a combined 14 touchdowns during that two-year span. Fifty of his 78 catches last season went for a first down. His premier blocking remains unmatched, and he's still tough to bring down, leading all tight ends with 14.2 yards per catch. Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy signed massive contract extensions in tandem this offseason, so they have several years to build upon their chemistry. Kittle caught 83% of Purdy's targets last year. "He's shown that when he's healthy he's the most complete player at the position," an AFC scout said. "Durability is the only thing that's really affected that. He embodies San Francisco's culture and that's why they keep paying him." - Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Right on Kittle's heels is a younger tight end talent who has taken over the league and continues to take defenses by storm. At No. 3 of the best tight ends in the NFL is the Detroit Lions' budding star, Sam LaPorta. After bursting onto the scene in his rookie year, his sophomore NFL season saw some bumps that slowed him down but showed no signs of having a lasting effect on his output and production. LaPorta's production dipped in Year 2, when he finished with 60 catches for 726 yards and seven scores. He fought through a knee issue -- a hyperextension and bone bruise -- that slowed momentum. But he's every bit as valuable as he was in 2023, and Detroit had several additional playmakers for whom to find targets. LaPorta is considered a complete tight end with elite feet, niftiness in the red zone and strength to compete every play. "[Lack of production is] not really a factor because Detroit has so many players they need to get the ball to," an NFC executive said. "He's a stud. Will be a cornerstone player for a long time." - Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Rounding out the trio of Hawkeye tight ends dominating in the NFL is the Minnesota Vikings' star tight end T.J. Hockenson. After recovering from injuries, Hockenson has responded without missing a beat. He gained more confidence last year, and it showed with his production down the stretch. Hockenson's status within the Vikings' offense was growing before a torn ACL and MCL suffered on a late hit in Week 16 of 2023 stalled that progress. Up to that point, Hockenson's 95 receptions were the 18th most in NFL history among tight ends. Returning close to midseason last year, Hockenson still produced three games of at least 68 yards from November to December. But, overall, he wasn't quite at full tilt. "He was OK -- didn't appear to trust the knee, especially in blocking, which is common for that injury," an NFL coordinator said. "But I expect him to have a strong year. He will trust it more a year removed and that offense is set up nicely for him. And he's got such a good feel for the game that he'll find ways to get catches." - Jeremy Fowler, ESPN With Iowa owning the tight end position in the NFL, they are the standalone owners of "TEU" with their proven successes. Up next, Addison Ostrenga gets his chance to be the main tight end for the Hawkeyes in an offense that should see some more wrinkles and targets with new QB Mark Gronowski and second-year offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Commanders' WR attends legendary NFL player's event
Legendary NFL tight ends Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olsen created "Tight End University" a few years back as a way for all tight ends to meet and learn from one another ahead of training camp every summer. It has been wildly successful, with current tight ends — including stars and young players — as well as retired players, participating. A goal for "Tight End U" was to create a brotherhood, team allegiances aside, for players to help one another. It's worked well, with all NFL teams having players choose to attend each year. Of course, Tight End U wasn't the first positional group to create this type of positional brotherhood. Von Miller created the "Von Miller Pass Rush Summit" in 2017. It's still going strong and is now called the "Sack Summit." Therefore, it would make sense for other legendary players to create something similar for their positions. That's what legendary wide receiver Chad Johnson did, creating the "Wideout Workshop" for NFL wide receivers and holding the first event last week. It was attended by stars such as Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Tee Higgins and Courtland Sutton. The Washington Commanders were represented, too. No, it wasn't Terry McLaurin or Deebo Samuel. Instead, K.J. Osborn, claimed off waivers last December and re-signed to a one-year deal in March, attended. Osborn, 28, is entering his sixth NFL season in 2025, having spent four years with the Vikings before splitting time with the Patriots and Commanders last season. Osborn only appeared in one game for Washington, but has 165 career receptions and 16 touchdowns. Osborn is battling for a roster spot, so it's smart for him to get as many reps as possible before training camp opens next week. McLaurin, Samuel, rookie Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey and Noah Brown figure to have five receiver spots locked up. So, Osborn could be competing for the final receiver spot on Washington's 53-man roster.
NBC Sports
10-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
NFL receivers gathered this week for a "Wideout Workshop" hosted by Chad Ochocinco
Some of the NFL's best wide receivers gathered in Miami this week for the first-ever Wideout Workshop, an event hosted by former NFL receiver Chad Ochocinco at which wide receivers could work out together and compare notes on how to develop their games. Those in attendance included Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Miami's Tyreek Hill, Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy, Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Green Bay's Jayden Reed, Denver's Courtland Sutton, Buffalo's Elijah Moore and Houston's Tank Dell, according to the Miami Herald. George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen have turned Tight End University into a major annual event for dozens of NFL tight ends, ranging from Pro Bowlers to those just hoping to make a roster, all coming together to develop in their professions. Ochocinco saw a similar opportunity for the wide receiver position. Clips from the workshop posted on Instagram show the receivers running routes and giving each other pointers, getting some additional work in before training camp at an event that could easily follow the path of Tight End U and turn into a popular annual gathering.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taylor Swift's hot mic comment about Travis Kelce's mom Donna Kelce surprises fans at NFL event
Taylor Swift unexpectedly became the highlight at the NFL's Tight End University in Nashville (Getty Images) The NFL 's annual Tight End University isn't typically where you expect to hear pop superstar Taylor Swift steal the spotlight—but that's exactly what happened in Nashville this year. While the event, co-founded by Travis Kelce , George Kittle, and Greg Olsen, aims to elevate tight ends through training and mentorship, Swift brought her own kind of magic to the field—and fans can't stop buzzing. Taylor Swift bonds with Donna Kelce and steals hearts at NFL's Tight End U During a candid off-stage moment, Taylor Swift was caught on a hot mic making a playful comment that fans believe was directed at Travis Kelce's mom, Donna Kelce: 'Also blonde… I have less charm!' The moment, brief as it was, sparked viral reactions online. Swift's reference to Donna wasn't just cheeky; it hinted at the growing closeness between her and the Kelce family. Travis quickly stepped in to explain that his mom couldn't attend because she was busy filming The Traitors, a reality series based in a Scottish castle. The casual exchange only added fuel to the fire for Swifties and NFL fans who've long suspected that Taylor is becoming part of the Kelce inner circle. From NFL sidelines to heartfelt shoutouts—Taylor and Donna's bond grows deeper Over the past year, Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce have gone from friendly spectators at Chiefs games to what looks like a budding friendship. Whether they're chatting in the stands or showing up at events, the duo's chemistry is obvious. Taylor's comment wasn't just a compliment—it was a peek into how welcomed she feels in Travis's world. As if the mic moment weren't enough, Taylor later treated the Tight End U crowd to a surprise live performance of 'Shake It Off.' The crowd went wild, and Travis Kelce? He couldn't stop smiling. As the camera caught him beaming with pride, it was clear the two are more than just a headline—they're a team. Also Read: Taylor Swift dragged into Travis Kelce drama as Chiefs fans blast him for fading performance and risking Patrick Mahomes' trust With retirement rumors swirling around Travis and Taylor fully invested in his world, fans are beginning to wonder if something bigger is on the horizon for the power couple. Marriage? Family? For now, they're just doing what they do best: showing up for each other—and stealing the show in the process. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taylor Swift dragged into Travis Kelce drama as Chiefs fans blast him for fading performance and risking Patrick Mahomes' trust
Travis Kelce faces scrutiny regarding his performance (Getty Images) Travis Kelce may have Taylor Swift cheering him on from the sidelines, but fans and analysts aren't convinced that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end still has the magic he once did. After what many call the worst season of his career, Kelce's return to the NFL is being met with both celebration and skepticism—and his relationship with Swift is only adding more heat to the conversation. Chiefs fans blast Travis Kelce for fading performance and risking Patrick Mahomes' trust Travis Kelce's NFL future is under fire as fans question his declining performance and blame Taylor Swift's influence, raising doubts about his reliability for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. — Chiefs (@Chiefs) 'It wasn't that hard of a decision,' Kelce said of his choice to return, brushing off retirement rumors. But on The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen didn't hold back: 'His numbers last year… the fewest receiving yards in a season for him since 2015... 823 yards.' Eisen even corrected himself, pointing out that in any season Kelce has started 16 games, those were the lowest stats of his career. Kelce also recorded just three touchdowns in 2024—another personal low. In the Super Bowl, where fans anticipated another round of Mahomes-to-Kelce brilliance, 'there was zero magic on that night,' Eisen noted. Is Patrick Mahomes losing faith in his most trusted weapon? As Kelce approaches his 36th birthday, many are questioning whether Patrick Mahomes can continue to rely on him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo 'At some point, Mahomes will no longer have Kelce. And is this the beginning of the Chiefs potentially hanging on to the past?' Eisen asked, warning that the team's dynasty could be slipping if Kelce can't perform at his old level. Rich Eisen: What's at Stake for Travis Kelce & the Chiefs This Season | The Rich Eisen Show While Kelce is still seen as a guaranteed first-ballot Hall of Famer, his current play is raising eyebrows—and fans are growing frustrated. Some argue that Swift's presence, while supportive, may also be a distraction as Kelce juggles life in the spotlight with his on-field responsibilities. There's no doubt Swift played a role in Kelce's return. Headlines like 'Taylor Swift made his comeback possible' have gone viral. But critics aren't so sure it's a good thing. With media and fan attention split between his romance and his stats, some believe Kelce's priorities are misaligned. Also Read: No Taylor Swift, no problem—Travis Kelce takes over Nashville party stage and goes viral at Tight End U bash Whether Kelce can quiet the doubters this season remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the pressure is higher than ever. And if he doesn't deliver, it won't just be his performance under fire—it might be the entire Chiefs dynasty on the line. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
