Total Pro Sports
George Kittle had something to get off his chest, and he did it with a smile, but the message was clear. While over 70 tight ends gathered for the annual Tight End University in Nashville, one familiar face was missing. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had other plans, and Kittle didn’t hold back when asked about it.
“I do have to air some dirty laundry with Brock,” Kittle said during an appearance on NFL Live. “He’s supposed to be here today, and instead he’s golfing.” The star tight end wasn’t taking a cheap shot, he knew why Purdy missed TEU. But that didn’t stop him from teasing his quarterback for choosing tee time over tight ends.
Purdy had committed to a charity event through the Tim Tebow Foundation. The organization auctioned off a round of golf with the 49ers QB months in advance, and he stuck to that commitment. Kittle acknowledged the good cause, even calling the event “fantastic,” but still raised an eyebrow at the timing.
George Kittle is not happy that Brock Purdy didn’t make it to TEU this year 😂
“I do have to air some dirty laundry with Brock. He’s supposed to be here today and instead he’s golfing. Now granted it was a charity thing. He did something with Tim Tebow, which is fantastic. I’m… pic.twitter.com/YZrDplJWlZ
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 25, 2025
“Two weeks ago he’s like it’s just one round of golf that I’m flying in for,” Kittle said. “So he could have done it on Monday or Wednesday and teed off at 9am.”
Tight End University, co-founded by Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen, has grown into a marquee offseason gathering. This year’s event ran from June 23 to June 26 and featured elite tight ends sharpening their craft alongside NFL quarterbacks. Among the throwers were Dak Prescott, Kirk Cousins, and new 49ers backup Mac Jones. Purdy, meanwhile, teed off elsewhere.
His absence didn’t stir any real tension. Kittle admitted he’s thrilled about the calm heading into his ninth season. “I’ve had eight offseasons with quarterback controversy at some point,” he said. “To have a calmer offseason where all the boys are at OTAs, all the boys are hanging out, playing football, thinking football—your mind is just at ease.”
As for the concert that capped off TEU? Travis Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, surprised everyone with a performance at the Tight Ends and Friends Benefit Concert on June 24. She joined artists like Chase Rice and Jordan Davis and brought the house down with Shake it Off.
Next year, Kittle might want to lock in Purdy’s calendar early, and maybe throw in a concert ticket or two as an extra incentive.
Also Read: Brock Purdy Shares His First Major Purchase After Signing $265 Million Deal With The 49ers
