Las Vegas Raiders Superstar Links Up With Legendary Mentors

Travis Kelce and George Kittle are undoubtedly two of the greatest tight ends to ever play football. 

Brock Bowers hopes to be mentioned in that kind of conversation someday. 

In his very first season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, Bowers was the best tight end in the NFL, earning AP First Team All Pro honors after amassing 1,194 receiving yards. 

The prospect of Bowers somehow improving on that season is exciting for Raiders fans — and terrifying for the rest of the league. 

As for Bowers himself, he is dead set on taking every opportunity to improve his game. Beginning on Monday June 23, 2025 and until Thursday June 26, 2025, Bowers is attending Tight End University, a yearly summit for elite tight ends founded by Kittle, Kelce and Greg Olsen in 2021. 

Speaking to SportsCenter, Bowers said he’s trying to learn from and model his game more after Kittle and Kelce, legends of their craft. 

“Learning from Kittle, Kelce, all those guys, it’s been amazing just listening to them,” Bowers said. “Just talked about different parts of their game, and [I’m] just really trying to transition that into my game…hopefully that will show up this year, on the field.” 

Kittle and Kelce have 16 Pro Bowl appearances combined, so Bowers could certainly do worse than having them as teachers. 

Bowers Also Shares Praise for New Raiders Coaches

Brock Bowers was also asked how being a Raider has been under new head coach Pete Carroll and Carroll’s new regime. 

Bowers said that he has loved the energy that Carroll has brought into the building. 

“He brings the juice,” Bowers said. “It’s been awesome being a part of that, hopefully we get something special going in Vegas.” 

Bowers is also a fan of what new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has been doing in training camp. 

“I really like what he’s been doing, just using his playmakers and trying to get everyone the ball a decent amount,” Bowers said. 

With so many great minds around him, it’s safe to say that Bowers is set up for success in 2025. 

Bowers Gives Early Impressions of Geno Smith 

Speaking of great minds, Bowers also shouted out Geno Smith’s football IQ and said that he and Smith have a great relationship so far. 

“I really like him, he’s been a really smart dude, really focused,” Bowers said. “Obviously throws a great ball.” 

Developing chemistry between an established receiver and a new quarterback is a labor-intensive process, and Bowers let Raiders fans in on what that looks like for him.

“I just feel like we’re always building,” Bowers said. “Even if you’ve known the guy for a long time, you still need to get those reps in, just get all those different routes against different looks and everything, so he kind of knows what you’re going to do before you do it.” 

Bowers and Smith have two more months to develop their chemistry ahead of the 2025 season, but Raiders fans can hardly wait that long to see their superstar tight end back on the field.