What is National Tight Ends Day? This is how it began – NBC Los Angeles

As NFL stadiums fill with Halloween costumes this weekend and next, the league has another holiday on the calendar.

Week 8 is National Tight Ends Day. There will be a handful of great tight end matchups this year, led by Raiders rookie Brock Bowers taking on Travis Kelce and the Chiefs in a star-studded showdown. Elsewhere, George Kittle and the 49ers will face Jake Ferguson and the Cowboys on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

While it’s a cool title, what exactly is National Tight Ends Day and how did it come about?

Here are the origins of the relatively new holiday.

What is National Tight Ends Day?

National Tight Ends Day is an annual occasion to celebrate players at the position. There are no formal traditions per se, but the NFL uses the holiday to draw attention to tight ends across the league.

How did National Tight Ends Day come about?

The 49ers defeated the Lions in Week 2 of the 2018 season with help from Garrett Celek and Kittle. Celek scored an 11-yard touchdown in the third quarter and Kittle said a conversation between the two tight ends and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sparked the idea of ​​National Tight Ends Day.

“Jimmy G was like, ‘What is this, National Tight Ends Day?’ We’re like, ‘Yeah, it’s a holiday, man!’ Kittle said.

When is National Tight Ends Day 2024?

The NFL celebrates National Tight Ends Day on the fourth weekend in October – this is week 8 in 2024.

While he appreciates the league’s official award, Kittle believes tight ends are worthy of being honored year-round.

“In my opinion, every day is National Tight Ends Day,” he said.