Taylor Swift surprised fans last summer when she stepped on stage for an unexpected performance during Travis Kelce’s Tight End University event in Nashville. Now, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is teasing the possibility that Swift could appear again at the annual gathering.
Kittle spoke about Swift’s potential return during an appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast. The NFL star did not confirm whether Swift will perform at the 2026 event, but he did acknowledge that organizers are already working to line up artists for the upcoming celebration.
The question of whether Swift could return to Tight End University also comes as new details emerge about her future with Kelce. According to ESPN’s Kansas City Chiefs insider Nate Taylor, the couple is expected to get married this summer before the Chiefs begin training camp.
Kansas City typically opens training camp in late July. If that timeline holds, Swift’s schedule around the wedding could determine whether she attends or performs at the Nashville event again in 2026.
George Kittle Teases Possible Taylor Swift Return to Tight End University
Kittle said organizers are currently reaching out to artists for the next Tight End University event, which is co-hosted by Kittle, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and retired NFL tight end Greg Olsen.
“I will be cold calling about 20 artists in the next two weeks,” Kittle said on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast.
When the hosts asked whether Swift could appear again, Kittle offered a playful response.
“I cannot confirm or deny,” he said.
Kittle also explained that Swift’s appearance last year was not originally planned as a performance.
“Last year, when Travis told me that Taylor was coming like to Tight End U, I was like, ‘That’s sick. If she wants to go to anything, here’s the events that we have planned,’” Kittle recalled. “And she showed up to everything.”
According to Kittle, Swift eventually decided to perform after encouragement from family members.
“The only reason that she sang was because my mom and Claire’s mom were like, you should totally sing,” Kittle said. “And like, kind of bullied her into doing it — no one bullies Taylor Swift, I’m kidding.”
Kittle added that the moment helped create one of the loudest crowds he has ever experienced.
“Two artists later, Taylor Swift comes out and just brings the house down,” he said. “I’ve never actually heard a venue be that loud before.”
Taylor Swift’s Surprise Tight End U Performance Went Viral
Swift’s appearance at the 2025 Tight End University event quickly went viral across social media.
During the celebration at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, Swift joined country star Kane Brown on stage to perform her hit song “Shake It Off.”
The performance marked her first live appearance in six months following the end of her record-breaking Eras Tour.
After finishing the song, Swift dedicated the performance to the football players attending the event.
She told the crowd the song was for “our favorite players who are going to play and these are the tight ends.”
Swift attended the event alongside Kelce, whom she has been dating since 2023. The couple also made headlines during the opening night festivities when they made their red carpet debut together at the event.
Photos of Swift and Kelce arriving hand-in-hand circulated widely on social media. The pair also posed for photos with Kittle, Olsen, and their wives during the celebration.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Continue High-Profile Year
Swift’s possible return to Tight End University comes as her relationship with Kelce continues to draw attention.
Kelce recently confirmed that he plans to return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 NFL season after considering his future in the league.
Speaking about Swift during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Kelce said her work ethic played a role in motivating him to continue playing.
“We share the same love for what we do,” Kelce said. “It’s amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new melodies and, on top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does.”
He added that Swift’s dedication inspired him as he weighed his decision about the upcoming season.
“Something like that definitely motivates me to say, ‘You know what, I’m not done, either,’” Kelce said. “I’ve still got some ideas in the back of my mind and still got some juice left to play this game.”