George Kittle Tight End University gained a unique highlight this year as Claire Kittle, wife of George Kittle, took charge of the annual Ladies Luncheon during the event’s fifth gathering on June 24 in Nashville. The occasion, held at the Coa Rooftop Bar in the Canopy Hotel, featured a surprise appearance by pop superstar Taylor Swift, adding an unexpected star factor to the NFL partners’ event.
Claire Kittle’s role in shaping the Ladies Luncheon at Tight End University
Tight End University (TEU), an off-season summit co-founded in 2021 by George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen, has quietly embraced a tradition beyond football tactics and drills. Claire Kittle has been the driving force behind the TEU Ladies Luncheon, a yearly event crafted to unite NFL players’ partners and families in celebration and support.
“This is our fifth year and every year it has just grown in every way,”
Claire Kittle told PEOPLE.
“More guys are coming and then bringing their wives and their girlfriends, so that number has just naturally grown every single year.”
She emphasized the importance of focusing on the women present, saying,
“It’s important to me to highlight the women, too, and kind of spoil them, because obviously the men are in the light all the time.”
The luncheon also featured special activations from brands such as Stoney Clover Lane, Zenni Optical, and The Spark Collection, with Leigh Taylor PR+ managing the event presentation.
Taylor Swift’s unexpected participation and connections to the NFL
This year’s luncheon stood out with Taylor Swift joining the festivities alongside Travis Kelce, creating excitement and drawing attention beyond the NFL circle. Swift capped off the week with a surprise performance of Shake It Off during a TEU concert at Brooklyn Bowl. Images showing her socializing with Claire Kittle and Kara Olsen, wife of Greg Olsen, spread quickly across social media platforms.
George Kittle found Swift’s involvement personally meaningful, recalling a humorous moment on The Rich Eisen Show when he joked about staying near Swift’s home during Christian McCaffrey’s wedding and asking if she’d left a spare key. This playful relationship reflects the deeper ties Swift has to the NFL world.
Swift’s bond with the San Francisco 49ers extends beyond this event. Earlier in the year, she attended a playoff game wearing a custom jacket by Kristin Juszczyk, whose husband Kyle plays fullback for the 49ers. She even mentioned how quarterback Brock Purdy challenged her during the 49ers’ Super Bowl overtime clash with Kansas City, illustrating her genuine connection to the team.
The broader impact of Tight End University beyond football
While Tight End University primarily focuses on training tight ends during the NFL off-season, it has grown into a platform fostering community and philanthropy. In 2024 alone, the program has raised more than $900,000 to support charitable causes, underscoring its commitment to meaningful contributions off the field.
Claire Kittle’s leadership in the Ladies Luncheon and the surprise presence of Taylor Swift highlight the event’s evolving role in strengthening bonds among players’ families and expanding its influence beyond sports.