The NFL is a different league now. Back in the older days, it wasn’t common for players from different teams to get together and exchange information on how to be better. Now it seems like every position group is holding an annual summit. Players gathering to learn from each other on how to be great. The latest to join the fun is Tight End University, an event organized by three men. All-Pros George Kittle and Travis Kelce along with retired three-time Pro Bowler Greg Olsen.

Initially, the plans were to have a limited collection of names be involved. However, Olsen insisted that they expand. What were 20 initial invitees ballooned to 49 according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. Plenty of notable names were involved including Las Vegas Raiders star Darren Waller, emerging Detroit Lions stud T.J. Hockenson, and #4 overall pick Kyle Pitts. Not to be left out was another familiar face.

Second-year man Cole Kmet of the Chicago Bears.

The guys from @te_university wore #PlayForTJ shirts to support Greg Olsen's foundation The HEARTest Yard.

The foundation helps Greg's son TJ and others kids who were born with heart defects. ❤️ (via @gregolsen88) pic.twitter.com/MNCtgomR4k

— NFL (@NFL) June 25, 2021

This shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Kmet is never afraid of hard work. He played two sports at the same time in college. That isn’t nearly as easy as you think. Despite already getting so much intel from teammate Jimmy Graham, the 22-year old wisely decided to seek out even more information at this event. If he wants to be the best, why not learn from the best? By the sound of things, there was plenty to do.

The summit included a classroom segment where some of the veteran players gave the younger guys a glimpse into how they attack film sessions to develop a better understanding of reading and reacting to coverages. It presented an opportunity to talk through a lot of the things they’ll face during the season and get hands-on training.

The best part had to be the presence of Olsen. Multiple players singled him out as a wonderful presence at the event. Somebody who relished the chance to give back to the younger generation. It is so cool to think a former Bears tight end like him had a chance to tutor the next man up in Kmet. Even better were the types of things he was teaching. Such as the ability to create separation. Something Kmet needs work on.

“Greg [Olsen] talked about how to create separation at the top of the route. So on the next drill, when you get to the cone, I want you to sink your hips, get inside your framework. Put that foot in the ground and create separation.”

Kmet playing a little more like Greg Olsen is dangerous

One thing that is already known about him is his size and strength. At 6’6, Kmet is a mammoth for his position and quickly established himself as an effective blocker. Now try to imagine what will happen if and when he develops the route running prowess Olsen possessed at his peak. It’s a scary combination. Kmet is hard enough to cover as it is just because of his catch radius. His being able to get open is the literal nightmare of defensive coordinators.

All Bears fans can wish is that Greg Olsen was able to do that for longer in Chicago. He was just coming into his own during the 2010 season. Then because Mike Martz lacked imagination, GM Jerry Angelo traded him to Carolina the next year. Something Olsen still holds against his former coordinator to this day. He’s not alone. Lots of people haven’t let that colossal blunder go a decade later.

Hopefully, Kmet can fulfill the promise he wasn’t allowed to.

The Bears haven’t had a truly good tight end since Martellus Bennett left and that run was brief. It is hoped this time will be different. A much wider window. Early indications from practice are Kmet looks much improved from last year. Somebody that was a headache to cover. It seems Olsen’s tips might already be having an impact.