#85 George Kittle (LE)

George Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers’ electrifying tight end, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and dominant players at his position. Known for his tenacity, athleticism, and dual-threat ability as both a blocker and receiver, Kittle’s rise to NFL stardom has been nothing short of impressive.

Born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin, Kittle’s passion for football was fueled by his family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport. His father, Bruce Kittle, was an offensive lineman at the University of Iowa and later became a college football coach. George’s upbringing immersed him in football culture, helping him develop a competitive spirit and disciplined work ethic at an early age.

Kittle attended Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football. Standing at 6’4″ with an imposing frame, Kittle initially made his mark as a wide receiver and later transitioned to tight end. Despite his size and talent, Kittle wasn’t heavily recruited coming out of high school, receiving only a few offers from Division I schools. However, his father’s connection to the University of Iowa played a role in his decision to join the Hawkeyes, where he would develop into one of the most well-rounded tight ends in college football.

Kittle enrolled at the University of Iowa in 2012, joining the Hawkeyes under the leadership of head coach Kirk Ferentz. During his time at the University of Iowa, Kittle honed his skills, particularly his blocking, which would become one of his trademarks as a professional player. His early years at Iowa were relatively quiet. In his freshman and sophomore seasons, Kittle was a backup tight end, recording just six receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown in 2013 and 2014 combined.

However, Kittle’s development took off during his junior and senior years. In 2015, Kittle saw increased playing time and became a key contributor to the Hawkeyes’ offense. He finished the season with 20 receptions for 290 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make plays in the red zone. His senior season in 2016 further demonstrated his potential as a dual-threat tight end, as he recorded 22 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Despite modest receiving numbers, Kittle’s skill as a blocker and his athleticism stood out, making him a valuable asset for Iowa’s run-heavy offense.

Kittle’s relatively quiet college career led to him flying under the radar in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, his impressive NFL Combine performance, where he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, opened the eyes of scouts. The San Francisco 49ers selected Kittle in the fifth round, 146th overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft. While he was not expected to be an immediate star, Kittle quickly exceeded expectations.

Kittle’s rookie season with the 49ers saw him put up solid numbers: 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns. He immediately made an impact with his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. However, it was in 2018 that Kittle truly broke out. In just his second season, Kittle set the NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,377 yards on 88 receptions, surpassing the previous record held by Rob Gronkowski. This historic season earned Kittle his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.

Kittle continued to excel in 2019, helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV. Known for his physical style of play, Kittle was integral to both the passing and running game, often taking on critical blocking assignments while also serving as a top receiving threat. The 49ers ultimately fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but Kittle’s status as one of the league’s premier tight ends was solidified.

Since his breakout, Kittle has been selected to four Pro Bowls (2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022) and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2019. In addition to his receiving prowess, Kittle is widely regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL, making him invaluable to the 49ers’ balanced offensive attack. Injuries limited him during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but when healthy, Kittle continues to be a dominant force on the field.

Kittle’s leadership, infectious energy, and toughness have endeared him to teammates and fans alike. He is also a key part of the 49ers’ locker room culture, setting the tone with his relentless work ethic and passion for the game. As the 49ers aim to return to the Super Bowl, Kittle remains a central figure in their quest for a championship, providing the team with both elite production and unmatched physicality.

George Kittle’s journey from under-the-radar high school recruit to NFL superstar is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. As he continues his career, his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history is still being written.

“BE DIFFERENT”, “BE ORIGINAL”, “BE YOU”