The Giants' tight end room is heading back to school — Tight End University, that is.
The annual offseason summit was co-founded in 2021 by All-Pro tight ends Travis Kelce and George Kittle, along with retired standout Greg Olsen. The goal of the event is to bring together dozens of the best tight ends across the league for several days of film study, on-field drills, and mentorship from past and present greats.
Tight End U is entering its fifth consecutive season and continues to grow in scope and reputation. This year, 72 tight ends from across the league are slated to attend, including veterans like Kelce and Kittle, as well as rising stars such as Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and T.J. Hockenson.
Tight End University — founded by George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen — is back for its fifth year this week.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 23, 2025
Here’s the full list of tight ends attending the event: pic.twitter.com/cF76wDLyRr
Nearly all of the Giants' tight end roster is set to attend, as Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, and Thomas Fidone II are all in line to be there.
The New York Giants will be well-represented in Nashville, but they all have a lot to prove
Between them, the trio of Johnson, Bellinger, and Manhertz combined for just 486 yards in 2024, and their lack of production fueled Kyle Pitts trade rumors earlier this offseason.
Following an injury-shortened rookie season, Johnson has been regarded as a popular breakout pick going into his sophomore campaign. The former Penn State standout caught 29 passes for 331 yards and a score in 12 games as a rookie, but the 24-year-old will see an expanded role in 2025.
Meanwhile, Bellinger, a fourth-rounder in 2022, is entering a contract year after recording a career-low 125 yards on just 14 catches in 2024. He suited up in every game for the G-Men over the last two seasons, but the 24-year-old saw his role diminish following the short-lived acquisition of Darren Waller in 2023 and the ensuing selection of Johnson.
But his second consecutive attendance in Nashville provides the San Diego State product an opportunity to continue his growth and prove his value moving forward. Especially considering his days in East Rutherford look to be numbered.
Fidone II is hoping to make a positive impression after slipping to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Fidone is a former five-star recruit whose career at Nebraska was hampered by injuries, so he has a real shot to crack the 53-man roster in an open positional room.
Following last week’s mandatory minicamp, TEU will be his next chance to absorb elite-level mentorship and prove he has upside worthy of earning a spot on the 53-man roster.
At 33, Manhertz brings valuable experience and a different skill set to the young group. Known primarily for his blocking, he has been a journeyman in the league, carving out a niche as a reliable run blocker and special teams contributor. He only has three career receiving touchdowns, so perhaps the TEU experience can help him grow as a pass catcher.
The Giants have struggled to get consistent production from their tight ends since Evan Engram’s departure. But with Russell Wilson now under center, the position could prove more critical to the offense than many realize.
They always say to “be a sponge” when it comes to absorbing information, so hopefully New York’s tight end quartet can fully tap into the learning experience to cement their place on the depth chart– and roster.