From 'Tight End U' to the NFL, happy National Tight Ends Day to 5 former Hawkeyes

Every day at the University of Iowa is Tight Ends Day, and on National Tight Ends Day, Hawkeye fans have a lot to be thankful for.

The Iowa Football program has been affectionately called "Tight End U" for the talented tight ends the program has developed. Current tight ends Addison Ostrenga and DJ Vonnahme look like the next in a long line of successful Iowa tight ends to make an impact in the NFL. Before they get there, we celebrate five current NFL tight ends who continue to carry the Iowa legacy.

Erik All (Cincinnati Bengals)

NFL career stats (14 games): 25 receptions, 188 yards, 0 touchdowns

Iowa fans actively try to forget former quarterback Cade McNamara and the tampering violations that came with him. McNamara was consistently hurt and never produced at the level everyone expected, but he did help the program one way. He brought talented tight end Erick All with him. People may have forgotten about All because of multiple injuries in his tenure with the Iowa program, but he was productive. He finished his college career with 864 receiving yards on 74 receptions and five touchdowns. He was consistently hurt during college, and that has carried over to the NFL.

All has played only 14 games in three NFL seasons, including missing the entire 2025 season with an injury. He also recently picked up another injury to the same knee that kept him out in 2025, and his future status is unknown. If All stays healthy, he's productive, but he hasn't.

Last game: 3 receptions, 26 yards (Oct. 25 at Baltimore)

George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)

NFL career stats (130 games): 621 receptions, 8,345 receiving yards, 57 touchdowns

Perhaps the most well-known former Hawkeye in the NFL, George Kittle continues to dominate for the 49ers. Former Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy has made him a favorite target, and he is still productive in his 10th NFL season. Kittle has started the 2026-2027 season strong, with 337 receiving yards and five touchdowns, on pace to beat last season's totals. Kittle was part of one of the most successful eras in Iowa football history, and he's carried that success to the NFL. After suffering an injury late last season, Kittle wasn't guaranteed to be ready for the start of this season, but he made the trip overseas for San Francisco's first game and has been a key pass-catcher and blocker for its offense.

If Kittle stays healthy, he has a clear path to the Hall of Fame, something not many tight ends have done. Kittle is clearly one of the best representatives for "Tight End U" on and off the field.

Last game: 8 receptions, 88 yards (Oct. 25 at Atlanta)

Noah Fant (New Orleans Saints)

NFL Career stats (115 games): 343 receptions, 3,666 receiving yards, 21 touchdowns

Former Hawkeye star Noah Fant has been a journeyman since making history for the Iowa program in the 2019 NFL Draft. Fant and fellow Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson were the first pair of tight ends from the same program drafted in the first round, but Fant has bounced around a bit. He has spent time with Denver, Seattle, Cincinnati, and now New Orleans, but he is still a reliable pass-catcher and a major red-zone threat.

Fant's stats don't jump off the page this season (9 receptions, 73 yards), but he has three touchdown receptions, proving he is lethal in the red zone. He hasn't been heavily featured for the Saints in his first year with the organization, but hopefully that changes.

Last game: 2 receptions, 11 yards (Oct. 25 vs. Pittsburgh)

Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions)

NFL career stats (47 games): 213 receptions, 2,342 receiving yards, 23 touchdowns)

Another former Iowa tight end who's started the 2026-2027 season off strong is Sam LaPorta. LaPorta has 316 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in five games, and remains a red-zone threat. LaPorta is a gifted pass-catcher and blocker, and has become one of quarterback Jared Goff's favorite targets. LaPorta suffered a bad back injury last season, but has returned this season with a vengeance. Unfortunately for LaPorta, he is in the midst of a heated contract battle with Detroit that isn't going well.

LaPorta recently had some harsh words for the organization, and it would be a miracle if they close a deal before he enters free agency next offseason. Detroit can't afford to let LaPorta walk, and hopefully the two sides come to an agreement.

Last game: 1 reception, 18 receiving yards (Oct. 25 vs. Green Bay)

T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings)

NFL career stats (102 games): 456 receptions, 4642 receiving yards, 27 touchdowns

T.J. Hockenson has been extremely productive when healthy, but he hasn't been for the Vikings the last two seasons. Hockenson has spent time with Detroit and Minnesota, and has been a solid NFL tight end. Hockenson has gotten off to a slow start this season because of Minnesota's quarterback uncertainty, but he finally got his first touchdown of the year against Indianapolis this week. With Kyler Murray's health a constant concern and J.J. McCarthy now in New York, the Vikings need Hockenson to do it all at tight end.

Hockenson is one of the higher-paid tight ends in the NFL, and he continues proving why every game.

Last game: 4 receptions, 36 yards, 1 touchdown (Oct. 25 vs. Indianapolis)

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