Legislative Resolution Will Recognize Tight Ends Day 

West Deptford – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro announced today that they will introduce legislative resolutions recognizing football tight ends, celebrating the team spirit, hard work and versatility of players who contribute to the success of their teams in a sport that values teamwork by proclaiming October 24 Tight Ends Day.

“Tight ends perform the selfless, hard work that is instrumental to the success of their teams,” said Senator Sweeney. “They have to be versatile and talented, but it is their grit and attitude that often makes them the unsung stars who are valued so much as team players. This tight end spirit is something everyone in New Jersey can appreciate. Congratulations to 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for suggesting it and tight end George Kittle for pushing it, and here in New Jersey we’re going to run with it.”

The legislative proclamation designating today as Tight Ends Day in New Jersey, coincides with the promotion of National Tight Ends Day – celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of October – by the NFL.

“Tight ends show up every day ready to work, just like so many blue-collar workers in New Jersey. Whether catching the football for a crucial first down, or blocking a charging defender, tight ends earn their keep while often going unrecognized,” said Assemblyman Taliaferro, who was a star running back at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, and later played collegiately at Penn State. “Being from a place that has such a long and rich football history as New Jersey’s, it is fitting that in this team sport we value the effort and contribution of players who are first and foremost about team.”

As the home of the Giants, Jets, residents who are fans of the Eagles and other teams, and the birthplace of college football, New Jersey possesses a strong football legacy. It’s also where many former and current NFL tight ends learned the game, including former Chicago Bear, Carolina Panther and Seattle Seahawk, Greg Olsen, Anthony Firsker of the Tennessee Titans, Mike Gesicki of the Miami Dolphins and Eric Ebron of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Playing tight end for my dad, Chris Olsen, at Wayne Hills High School was an experience I’ll always cherish,” said Olsen, a Wayne, N.J., native who went on to star at the University of Miami and made three Pro Bowls in his 14-year NFL career as a tight end. “I’m very proud that my home state is recognizing the work ethic and spirit of the athletes who play one of football’s most demanding positions.”

The resolutions will be introduced when the Senate and Assembly next convene in Trenton.