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Pittsburgh Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth is not attending “Tight End University” this year.
The fifth annual “Tight End University” training camp kicked off this week, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the only NFL franchises that did not have any representatives in attendance.
33rd Team NFL insider Ari Meirov shared the full roster of tight ends on June 23, and none of Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington or Connor Heyward — not to mention Steelers undrafted rookies JJ Galbreath and fullback/TE DJ Thomas-Jones — were found on the list.
While these summer positional camps are by no means mandatory, they are popular for a reason. Tight End University, hosted by NFL legends of the position, Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olsen, provides fellow TEs with the opportunity to learn tips from one another, study film together, and hone their craft overall.
Although the Steelers weren’t the only team without a representative in 2025, they were one of the few, not the many.
Will the Steelers Add Another Tight End Prior to Training Camp After the Donald Parham Injury?
The Steelers lost newcomer Donald Parham to injury for the entire season, which would theoretically leave a vacancy at tight end.
Since the injury, Pittsburgh has been linked to various pass-catchers, including starting tight end Jonnu Smith, but nothing has materialized as of June 24.
On that subject, Heyward also spoke out in favor of the Steelers riding with Freiermuth and Washington as their top tight ends, rather than bringing in another big name. Since those public comments, trade chatter has calmed a bit.
It will be interesting to see if general manager Omar Khan ends up adding one more tight end to the room, even if it’s more of a role player like 2024 reserve MyCole Pruitt.
In the meantime, youngsters like Galbreath and Thomas-Jones should get a lengthy look, let’s say the Steelers open training camp with their current group.
What Is Tight End University?
For those unfamiliar with “Tight End University,” it is a three-day summer program held in Nashville, Tennessee, that was founded by Kelce, Kittle and Olsen in 2021.
According to the official TEU website, “Tight End University was created to bring the Tight End community together for an immersive three-day program.”
“Over the course of the summit, attendees are able to bond, collaborate with, and learn amongst their peers while participating in a variety of activities, including film study, on-field drills, recovery, rehabilitation, and more,” the bio section explains.
TEU is not the only positional “summit” that has begun in recent years, but it was one of the first, and it continues to be one of the most popular every offseason.
“In addition to current players, TEU also features several retired legends who provide attendees with the invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the best to ever play the game,” the website continues.
Concluding: “Beyond supporting our athletes, TEU is also driven to give back to the community through a variety of charitable initiatives. Thanks to the help of our sponsors, we are able to help raise money for various organizations and at the conclusion of the event donate all proceeds to charities selected by our hosts.”
Freiermuth and the Steelers may have missed out on the activities this year, but the Pittsburgh starter has attended Tight End University in the past. Freiermuth told beat reporter Mark Kaboly (formerly of The Athletic) that he was “pumped to go” in 2023.
Michael Obermuller covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, where he began writing in 2021. His areas of focus include the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, with expert knowledge on each based on years of coverage. Michael is an NYC area native and Quinnipiac graduate. More about Michael Obermuller
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