On September 16, 2018, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw a touchdown pass to tight end Garrett Celek in the third quarter to take a 20-10 lead over the Detroit Lions. When he approached the sideline after the drive, Garoppolo said to 49er tight end George Kittle, “What is it, like National Tight Ends Day?”
Kittle responded with his usual exuberance, informing Garoppolo that it was in fact a holiday. In typical tight end fashion, he went even further, declaring every week in the National Football League as National Tight Ends Day.
The NFL liked that, officially christening the fourth October of every season as “National Tight Ends Day” and players all around the league have been celebrating with touchdowns, pancake blocks and pass pro ever since.