Travis Kelce, George Kittle bring together country stars, NFL at tight end summit in Nashville

Tight End University kicked off its fourth annual summit in Nashville on Monday, bringing in attendees from all over the U.S for the purpose of celebrating the tight end position and promoting community within the NFL.

Founded in 2021 by NFL stars Travis Kelce, George Kittle and tight end veteran Greg Olsen, the three-day program included a jam-packed schedule with over 70 players and retired players and their families attending to bond, learn, and participate in a variety of activities, including on-field drills.

On the first day of Tight End University, players and and their families were greeted with big smiles, goody bags, and a welcome reception at the Thompson Hotel. During the evening, Kelce and Kittle emphasized the importance of uniting players in the NFL.

Many players expressed their excitement and gratitude for the multiday program.

Cleveland Browns tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden has attended the program for the last three years. And he was amongst those who traveled to Music City, along with his trainer Mohamed Kourouma, for another year.

"I'm (here) to learn and expand my horizon and understand how other pros and veterans were able to have extensive careers," he said.

Isaiah Likely, tight end on the Baltimore Ravens, echoed those sentiments.

"I came last year, and I had a great time. George, Greg and Trav put together a great clinic, whether it's (on or off the field), they always bring tight ends around to get knowledge," Likely says. He added that it's imperative to pass on wisdom through generations.

In addition to sharpening skills, second-year attendee and tight end for the Buffalo Bills Tre' McKitty says building relationships is a vital part of TEU.

"Tight end is a position that's really close-knit, so it's good to come together and share knowledge and tips for each other," he says. "I think it's awesome to (have) camaraderie between all the guys in the league."

And the players weren't the only ones celebrated at the summit. There were special events for the wives and girlfriends of the league for their year-round efforts.

Claire Kittle, influencer and wife of George Kittle, hosted a Ladies Luncheon on Tuesday presented by Leigh Taylor Public Relations.

"TEU is such a special time to bring everybody together. All the boys get to hang out, learn from one another, and I was like the women are such a vital part of the success and health of those guys. So they deserve to be celebrated too," says Kittle.

"The guys get all the limelight through the football season. And I just really wanted to spoil the girls. So it's really fun to bring them together to meet each other and network and get to hang out with like-minded individuals and people who are kind of in your same situation."

In addition to networking, the women were able to enjoy a pop-up shopping experience, a charm bar and many other events all while supporting charities in the Nashville community.

Tuesday also included a Bridgestone Women in Sports panel, a flag football initiative held on Vanderbilt University's campus, and a special concert for tight ends and friends at Brooklyn Bowl.

During the show some of country music's biggest stars hit the stage, including Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Nate Smith and others.

The summit closed out with a pool party as all the attendees gathered to celebrate with music, food trucks and special guests like professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Travis Kelce's tight end summit pulls out all the stops in Nashville