The Tight Ends and Friends Concert electrified Nashville on June 24, 2025, delivering a night of music, surprises, and NFL star power at Brooklyn Bowl. Hosted by Tight End University (TEU), founded by NFL icons Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen, this second annual event blended country music with football camaraderie, raising funds for charity. Fans packed the venue, buzzing with anticipation for surprise performances, including a show-stopping appearance by Taylor Swift. This year’s concert, part of TEU’s fifth anniversary, underscored its mission to unite NFL tight ends while giving back to the community. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments from this unforgettable night.
A Star-Studded Lineup at Tight Ends and Friends Concert
The 2025 Tight Ends and Friends Concert featured a stellar roster of country music artists, including Jordan Davis, Chase Rice, Sophia Scott, and Graham Barham. Hosted by Bussin’ with the Boys’ Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, the event kicked off at 8:30 PM with doors opening at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. The venue’s electric atmosphere drew over 75 NFL tight ends, their families, and fans for a night of music and entertainment. Unlike last year’s lineup with heavyweights like Jelly Roll and Jon Pardi, 2025 brought fresh faces and unexpected moments, keeping the audience on their toes.
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The concert’s charitable focus remained a cornerstone. All ticket proceeds supported causes like Kelce’s 87 and Running, The Heartest Yard for kids with congenital heart disease, and a charity chosen by Kittle. Organizers aimed to surpass last year’s $900,000, targeting over $1 million in donations. The event’s 21+ standing-room-only setup fostered an intimate vibe, with tight ends mingling on the balcony while fans filled the floor below.
Taylor Swift’s Surprise Performance Steals the Show
The night’s biggest highlight came when Taylor Swift took the stage, surprising fans with a performance of her 2014 hit “Shake It Off.” Dressed in an EB Denim black dress and Versace leather boots, Swift joined country star Kane Brown after his set, strumming a guitar borrowed from Chase Rice. The crowd erupted as she dedicated the song to “our favorite players, the tight ends,” with Kelce, her boyfriend, cheering from the VIP section alongside childhood friend Abigail Anderson Berard. Swift’s appearance, her first live performance since regaining control of her masters, sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans sharing videos and photos of the moment.
Swift’s presence wasn’t just a celebrity cameo. She attended TEU’s opening ceremony on June 23, marking her and Kelce’s first public appearance together in months. Her performance capped a night of community and celebration, blending Nashville’s music scene with the NFL’s tight-knit tight end community.
Key Highlights of the Tight Ends and Friends Concert
- Charity Impact: Aimed to raise over $1 million, supporting disadvantaged youth and kids with heart conditions.
- Surprise Guest: Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” performance was a nostalgic nod to her 1989 era.
- NFL Star Power: Over 75 tight ends, including Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, attended.
- Country Music Lineup: Jordan Davis, Chase Rice, Sophia Scott, and Graham Barham performed.
- Venue Vibe: Brooklyn Bowl’s standing-room setup created an intimate, high-energy atmosphere.
TEU’s Broader Mission Shines Through
Tight End University, now in its fifth year, goes beyond the concert. The three-day summit at Vanderbilt University included film study, on-field drills, and recovery workshops for over 75 current and former NFL tight ends. Players like Isaiah Likely and Tre’ McKitty praised TEU for fostering camaraderie and skill-sharing. The event also featured a Bridgestone Women in Sports panel and a flag football initiative, emphasizing community engagement. While the concert was the only public event, its sold-out status—fueled by Swift’s appearance—highlighted TEU’s growing cultural impact.
The absence of stars like Pat Freiermuth and Mark Andrews didn’t dim the event’s shine. Attendees, including Chiefs’ Robert Tonyan and Ravens’ Isaiah Likely, bonded over shared goals, with veterans like Rob Gronkowski offering mentorship. The concert’s blend of music and football underscored TEU’s ethos: elevating the tight end position while celebrating unity.
Why the Concert Matters in 2025
The Tight Ends and Friends Concert has become a Nashville staple, merging sports and entertainment in a way few events do. Its charitable focus, star-studded performances, and NFL camaraderie make it a unique draw. Swift’s surprise set not only thrilled fans but also amplified the event’s reach, with social media posts flooding platforms like Instagram and X. The concert’s success reflects TEU’s evolution from a training camp to a cultural phenomenon, bridging Nashville’s music heritage with the NFL’s tight end community.
Fans already anticipate next year’s event, hoping for more surprises and a continued charitable impact. For now, the 2025 concert has set a high bar, proving that when tight ends and music stars unite, Nashville lights up.
Don’t miss out! Grab tickets for next year’s Tight Ends and Friends Concert early to join the ultimate NFL-meets-country music celebration in Nashville.