George Kittle

George Kittle isn't just a tight end; he's a force of nature on the football field, renowned for his bone-jarring blocks, electrifying runs after the catch, and an infectious, larger-than-life personality. From his humble beginnings at Iowa to becoming one of the NFL's most dominant and highest-paid players, his journey is a testament to relentless effort and a unique style. Join us as we explore the career of 'The People's Tight End' and discover what makes him truly special. George Kittle's unique blend of athleticism, elite blocking prowess, and dynamic receiving skills redefined the tight end position in the NFL. He overcame a less prominent college career to become a multi-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, consistently breaking franchise and league records. Kittle's 'Cero Miedo' (No Fear) wrestling-inspired persona embodies his fearless playstyle and captivating presence on and off the field.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

George Kittle's unique blend of athleticism, elite blocking prowess, and dynamic receiving skills redefined the tight end position in the NFL.
He overcame a less prominent college career to become a multi-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, consistently breaking franchise and league records.
Kittle's 'Cero Miedo' (No Fear) wrestling-inspired persona embodies his fearless playstyle and captivating presence on and off the field.

The Genesis of "The People's Tight End"

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1993, George Kittle was destined for a life in sports. His father, Bruce, was a co-captain for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team, while his mother, Jan, achieved All-America honors in basketball and softball at Drake University. George inherited this athletic pedigree, attending multiple high schools across Iowa and Oklahoma before committing to follow in his father's footsteps at the University of Iowa.

Hawkeye Beginnings

Kittle's collegiate career at Iowa, from 2012 to 2016, saw him initially playing a limited role. As a freshman and sophomore, he was often behind a crowded tight end depth chart, recording only a handful of receptions. His first significant collegiate reception was a 47-yard gain against Missouri State in 2013.

His role expanded significantly in the 2015 season, where he scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 43-yard pass. Kittle finished that year with 20 receptions for 290 yards and six touchdowns, ranking sixth in receiving touchdowns in the Big Ten Conference. This marked his true emergence.

As a senior in 2016, Kittle continued to headline the tight end unit. He posted his best individual game against North Dakota State, hauling in five receptions for 110 yards. By the end of his college career, Kittle accumulated 48 receptions for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns—a solid, if not spectacular, foundation for his future.

Scouting Combine Showcase

Despite his collegiate stats, NFL scouts recognized Kittle's immense potential. He earned an invitation to the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, where his athleticism truly shone. He finished among the top tight ends in the broad jump, 40-yard dash, and vertical jump, cementing his status as a top prospect.

His performance at the Combine and Iowa's Pro Day drew significant attention from all 32 NFL teams. Experts projected him as a third or fourth-round pick, with many ranking him among the top tight ends in the draft class. His raw talent was undeniable, even if his college production didn't always reflect it.

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	Wingspan	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press
6 ft 3+3⁄4 in (1.92 m)	247 lb (112 kg)	33+1⁄8 in (0.84 m)	9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m)	6 ft 6+1⁄2 in (1.99 m)	4.52 s	1.51 s	2.65 s	4.55 s	7.00 s	38.5 in (0.98 m)	11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)	18 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day

Becoming an NFL Superstar

The Rookie Blueprint (2017)

The San Francisco 49ers selected George Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 146th overall. He quickly reunited with his former Iowa quarterback, C. J. Beathard, also drafted by the 49ers. Kittle signed a four-year, $2.69 million contract and, surprisingly, earned the starting tight end job out of training camp, showcasing his immediate impact.

Kittle made his NFL debut with five receptions against the Carolina Panthers. He notched his first NFL touchdown in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts and later achieved his first 100-yard receiving game in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. His rookie year concluded with 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games, a promising start for a fifth-round pick.

A Record-Breaking Leap (2018)

The 2018 season was Kittle's breakout year. He consistently delivered explosive plays, including a spectacular 82-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 14, he set a 49ers franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end with an astounding 210 yards in the first half against the Denver Broncos.

Kittle finished the season with 88 receptions for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns, setting a new single-season receiving yards record for a tight end, just minutes after Travis Kelce had broken it. This remarkable performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and a ranking of 29th among his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

Sustained Excellence (2019)

Kittle continued his elite play in 2019, earning the highest overall Pro Football Focus grade of any player in the NFL through the first four weeks. Despite battling a knee injury that caused him to miss two games, he remained a pivotal force in the 49ers' offense.

Key moments included a critical 39-yard catch while being face-masked against the New Orleans Saints, setting up a game-winning field goal. He concluded the season with 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors. The 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV, where Kittle contributed four catches in their loss to the Chiefs, further solidifying his status as one of the league's top talents.

Elite Contract, Lingering Injuries (2020)

Recognizing his immense value, the 49ers signed Kittle to a five-year, $75 million contract in August 2020, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league at the time. However, the season was marred by injuries, including a knee issue and a broken bone in his foot, limiting him to just eight games.

Despite the setbacks, Kittle still managed to impress in his limited appearances, including a dominant 15-reception, 183-yard, one-touchdown game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished with 48 receptions for 634 yards and two touchdowns, earning the 50th spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021, a testament to his impact even when hampered.

Bouncing Back (2021)

The 2021 season saw Kittle return to form, though another calf injury placed him on injured reserve for a period. Upon his return, he caught fire, recording multiple 100-yard, multi-touchdown games, including a spectacular nine-reception, 181-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Seattle Seahawks.

He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his 13-reception, 151-yard, one-touchdown outing against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kittle finished the year with 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns, earning his third Pro Bowl nomination and a playoff run that included his first career postseason touchdown in the NFC Championship Game.

A Career High in Scores (2022)

The 2022 season saw Kittle miss the first two games with a groin injury, but once healthy, he exploded. He scored his first touchdown against the Chiefs and later delivered a memorable two-touchdown performance in Mexico City against the Cardinals, where he was gifted a lucha mask by his favorite wrestler, Penta, solidifying his 'Cero Miedo' persona.

He set a career high with 11 receiving touchdowns, tying for third in the NFL. Kittle's 60 receptions for 765 yards earned him his fourth Pro Bowl nomination, tying a franchise record for tight ends. He was ranked 19th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023, showcasing his continued dominance as a red-zone threat and overall offensive weapon.

Setting New Benchmarks (2023)

In 2023, Kittle continued to etch his name in the 49ers' record books, passing 400 career receptions in just 84 games—the fastest in franchise history and fourth-fastest in NFL history. He showcased his scoring ability with a three-touchdown game against the Dallas Cowboys.

He wrapped up the season with 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns, earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection and breaking the 49ers' franchise record for tight end Pro Bowl nominations. He also secured his second First-Team All-Pro selection, highlighting his consistent, elite-level play as the 49ers made another Super Bowl appearance.

Consistent Dominance (2024)

The 2024 season further cemented Kittle's legacy of consistent excellence. Despite missing one game due to a hamstring injury, he recorded his fourth career 1,000-yard season, accumulating 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. This marked his second consecutive 1,000-yard season and tied him for second-most by a tight end in NFL history, behind only Travis Kelce.

He achieved four games with over 100 receiving yards, the most by any tight end in the league that year, and earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection. Kittle's blend of receiving and blocking prowess made him an indispensable force in the 49ers' offense.

The New Deal & Setback (2025)

On April 29, 2025, the 49ers and Kittle agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension, with $40 million guaranteed, once again making him the highest-paid tight end in the league. This substantial deal underscored his value and commitment to the franchise.

However, the season was cut short by a devastating torn Achilles tendon suffered in the Wild Card Round against the Eagles. Before the injury, Kittle had already earned his seventh Pro Bowl selection, finishing the season with 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. It was a cruel blow to a stellar career.

"Cero Miedo": Off the Field

Beyond the gridiron, George Kittle is an avid fan of professional wrestling, famously adopting the 'Cero Miedo' (Spanish for 'No Fear') taunt from his favorite wrestler, Penta, whenever he achieves a first down. This persona perfectly captures his fearless and combative style of play.

His passion for wrestling even led to a memorable moment in 2022 when the 49ers played in Mexico City. Penta himself presented Kittle with a custom 49ers-themed lucha mask, a unique exchange between two masters of performance and power, further cementing Kittle's status as 'The People's Tight End' both on and off the field.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Throughout his remarkable career, George Kittle consistently delivered exceptional performance. His statistics showcase a player who not only dominated as a receiver but also excelled in every facet of the tight end position.

Year	Team	GP	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Fum	Lost
2017	SF	15	7	43	515	12.0	44	2	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0
2018	SF	16	16	88	1,377	15.6	85	5	1	10	10.0	10	0	0	0
2019	SF	14	14	85	1,053	12.4	61	5	5	22	4.4	18	0	1	0
2020	SF	8	8	48	634	13.2	44	2	2	17	8.5	9	0	0	0
2021	SF	14	14	71	910	12.8	48	6	3	20	6.7	9	0	2	1
2022	SF	15	15	60	765	12.8	54	11	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	1
2023	SF	16	16	65	1,020	15.7	66	6	1	2	2.0	2	0	0	0
2024	SF	15	15	78	1,106	14.2	43	8	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0
2025	SF	11	11	57	628	11.0	33	7	1	-3	-3.0	-3	0	0	0
Career		124	116	545	7,658	14.1	85	52	13	68	5.2	18	0	4	2

Article

George Kittle

George Krieger Kittle (born October 9, 1993) is an American professional football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Kittle is a seven-time Pro Bowler and was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2023.

Early life

George Kittle

Kittle was born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin, and moved to Iowa in 2000. He attended Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa; Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma. Kittle committed to the University of Iowa to play college football. His father, Bruce, was a four-year letterman and co-captain of the 1982 Rose Bowl squad at Iowa and is a former college football coach. His mother, Jan Krieger, is in the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame and played softball and earned All-America honors in basketball at Drake University.

College career

George Kittle

Kittle played at Iowa from 2012 to 2016 under head coach Kirk Ferentz. As a freshman, Kittle had a limited role behind senior C. J. Fiedorowicz, junior Ray Hamilton, and sophomore Jake Duzey. He had his first collegiate reception, which went for 47 yards, against the Missouri State Bears. Overall, Kittle caught five passes for 108 yards.

Iowa's tight end unit remained crowded for Kittle in the 2014 season. Along with the return of Hamilton and Duzey, junior Henry Krieger-Coble added to the depth. Kittle had a lone reception for 25 yards against Maryland as his only catch of the season.

Kittle's role expanded in the 2015 season. On September 26, 2015, against North Texas, he scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 43-yard reception from quarterback C. J. Beathard. Overall, Kittle had 20 receptions for 290 yards and six touchdowns in the 2015 season. His six receiving touchdowns ranked sixth in the Big Ten Conference.

As a senior in 2016, Kittle headlined a tight end unit that contained junior Peter Pekar and freshman Noah Fant. He had his best statistical game against North Dakota State with five receptions for 110 yards. In his senior season, Kittle recorded 22 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns. During his collegiate career, Kittle had 48 receptions for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Professional career

Pre-draft

As a top tight end prospect, Kittle was one of 19 collegiate tight ends to receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He completed the majority of drills, but opted to skip the short shuttle and three-cone drill. Kittle's overall performance was well received, as he finished third among tight ends in the broad jump, fifth in the 40-yard dash, and finished sixth among his position group in the vertical jump. On March 27, 2017, Kittle participated at Iowa's Pro Day, along with C. J. Beathard, Desmond King, Jaleel Johnson, Greg Mabin, Riley McCarron, and four other prospects. He completed his combine drills, finishing the short shuttle (4.55s), three-cone drill, and also ran positional drills. Scouts and team representatives from all 32 NFL teams attended, including Cincinnati Bengals tight end coach Jonathan Hayes. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Kittle was projected to be a third or fourth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the fifth best tight end prospect in the draft by NFL analystMike Mayock, the sixth best by NFL analyst Gil Brandt, and the eighth best tight end by NFLDraftScout.com.

<table><thead><tr><th>Height</th><th>Weight</th><th>Arm length</th><th>Hand span</th><th>Wingspan</th><th>40-yard dash</th><th>10-yard split</th><th>20-yard split</th><th>20-yard shuttle</th><th>Three-cone drill</th><th>Vertical jump</th><th>Broad jump</th><th>Bench press</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>6 ft 3+3⁄4 in (1.92 m)</td><td>247 lb (112 kg)</td><td>33+1⁄8 in (0.84 m)</td><td>9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m)</td><td>6 ft 6+1⁄2 in (1.99 m)</td><td>4.52 s</td><td>1.51 s</td><td>2.65 s</td><td>4.55 s</td><td>7.00 s</td><td>38.5 in (0.98 m)</td><td>11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)</td><td>18 reps</td></tr><tr><td>All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day</td></tr></tbody></table>

2017 season

The San Francisco 49ers selected Kittle in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. He was reunited with Iowa teammate C. J. Beathard, whom the 49ers drafted in the third round (104th overall). On May 4, 2017, the 49ers signed Kittle to a four-year, $2.69 million contract that included a signing bonus of $298,287.

Throughout training camp, Kittle competed against Garrett Celek, Vance McDonald, Logan Paulsen, Blake Bell, and Cole Hikutini for the job as the starting tight end. Head coach Kyle Shanahan named Kittle the starting tight end to start the regular season.

Kittle made his NFL debut in the season-opener against the Carolina Panthers and caught five passes for 27 yards during the 23–3 loss. He caught his first NFL reception on a 13-yard pass from Brian Hoyer on the first drive and was tackled by Panthers' safety Mike Adams. During a Week 5 26–23 overtime road loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Kittle had seven receptions for 83 yards and his first NFL touchdown. During Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, Kittle caught three passes for 27 yards before leaving the eventual 20–10 loss with a leg injury. He was inactive due to the injury and missed the next game against the New York Giants.

During a Week 16 44–33 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kittle caught three passes for 42 yards and his second touchdown of the season. In the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, he had his first 100-yard receiving game during the 34–13 road victory, finishing with four receptions for 100 yards.

Kittle finished his rookie year with 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games and seven starts.

2018 season

During the season-opening 24–16 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Kittle had five receptions for 90 yards. Two weeks later against the Kansas City Chiefs, he caught five passes for 79 yards in the 38–27 road loss. In the next game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kittle recorded six receptions for 125 yards and an 82-yard touchdown during the narrow 29–27 road loss.

During Week 7 against the Rams, Kittle recorded five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown in the 39–10 loss. Two weeks later against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Night Football, he caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in the 34–3 blowout victory. In the next game against the Giants on Monday Night Football, Kittle had nine receptions for 83 yards during the 27–23 loss.

During a Week 14 20–14 victory over the Denver Broncos, Kittle set a franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end with 210 on seven receptions, all coming in the first half, as well as becoming the first 49ers tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. Two weeks later against the Chicago Bears, he was the leading receiver with seven receptions for 74 yards in the 14–9 loss. In the regular season finale against the Rams, Kittle recorded nine receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown during the 48–32 road loss. He broke Travis Kelce's single-season receiving yards record for a tight end, less than an hour after Kelce broke the record.

Kittle finished his second professional season with 88 receptions for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games and starts. He was named as a Pro Bowler for the first time. Kittle was ranked 29th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

2019 season

Kittle in 2019

Through the first four weeks of 2019 NFL season, during which the 49ers played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers, Kittle earned the highest overall Pro Football Focus grade of any player in the NFL.

Following a Week 4 bye, the 49ers faced the Cleveland Browns at home on Monday Night Football. Kittle finished the 31–3 victory with six receptions for 70 yards and his first touchdown of the season. In the next game against the Rams, Kittle recorded eight receptions for 103 yards during the 20–7 road victory. Three weeks later against the Cardinals, Kittle suffered a knee injury on the first play of the game and was forced to miss the next few plays before returning to the game and catching six passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in the 28–25 road victory. However, he missed the next two games due to the injury.

Kittle returned in time for the Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. He finished the 37–8 victory with six receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later against the New Orleans Saints, Kittle had six receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, including a crucial 4th and 2 catch that went for 39 yards, 17 of which he made while being face-masked by Saints cornerback Marcus Williams while carrying two other defenders. The catch set up the game-winning field goal as the 49ers narrowly won on the road 48–46. In the next game against the Atlanta Falcons, Kittle recorded 13 receptions for 134 yards during the 29–22 loss. Following the loss, he was named to his second Pro Bowl with over 340,000 votes. During a Week 16 34–31 comeback victory over the Rams, Kittle had five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Kittle finished the 2019 season with 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games and starts. He was named as a First Team All-Pro for the 2019 season. The 49ers finished atop the NFC West with a 13–3 record and earned the #1-seed in the NFC. In the Divisional Round against the Vikings, Kittle recorded three receptions for 16 yards during the 27–10 victory. During the NFC Championship Game against the Packers, he had a 19-yard reception in the 37–20 victory as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LIV. In the Super Bowl against the Chiefs, Kittle caught four passes for 36 yards during the 31–20 loss. He was ranked seventh by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

2020 season

On August 13, 2020, Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the 49ers with an $18 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league.

After missing two games due to a knee injury, Kittle returned in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, finishing with 15 receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown as the 49ers lost 20–25. Two weeks later against the Rams on Sunday Night Football, he had seven receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown in the 24–16 victory. On November 5, Kittle was placed on injured reserve with a broken bone in his foot. He was activated on December 25. The next day against the Cardinals, Kittle led the 49ers in receiving with four receptions for 92 yards in the 20–12 road victory.

Kittle finished the 2020 season with 48 receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns in eight games and starts. He was ranked 50th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

2021 season

Kittle began the season recording four receptions for 78 yards during the season-opening 41–33 road victory over the Detroit Lions. Two weeks later against the Packers on Sunday Night Football, he was the leading receiver with seven receptions for 92 yards in the narrow 30–28 loss.

On October 9, 2021, Kittle was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury. He was activated on November 6. The next day, Kittle caught six passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in a 31–17 loss to the Cardinals. In the next game against the Rams on Monday Night Football, he recorded five receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown during the 31–10 victory. The following week against the Jaguars, Kittle had four receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown in the 30–10 road victory.

During a Week 13 30–23 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Kittle caught nine passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. In the next game against the Bengals, he had 13 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown during the 26–23 road victory. Kittle was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. The following week against the Falcons, he led the 49ers in receiving with six receptions for 93 yards in the 31–13 victory.

Kittle finished the 2021 season with 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games and starts. He earned his third career Pro Bowl nomination. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West with a 10–7 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #6-seed. During the Wild Card Round against the Dallas Cowboys, Kittle had an 18-yard reception in the 23–17 road victory. In the Divisional Round against the Packers, he recorded four receptions for 63 yards during the 13–10 comeback road victory. During the NFC Championship Game against the Rams, Kittle caught two passes for 27 yards and his first career postseason touchdown in the 20–17 road loss. Kittle was ranked 22nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022 season

Kittle missed the first two games of the season with a groin injury. He made his season debut in Week 3 against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football and finished the narrow 11–10 road loss with four receptions for 28 yards.

During Week 7 against the Chiefs, Kittle had six receptions for 98 yards and his first touchdown of the season in the 44–23 loss. In the next game against the Rams, he caught three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown during the 31–14 road victory. Three weeks later against the Cardinals at Estadio Azteca in Mexico on Monday Night Football, Kittle recorded four receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the 38–10 victory.

During a Week 15 21–13 road victory over the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, Kittle caught four passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns. In the next game against the Washington Commanders, he recorded six receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. The following week against the Las Vegas Raiders, Kittle had four receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown in the 37–34 overtime road victory. During the regular season finale against the Cardinals, he caught four passes for 29 yards and two touchdowns in the 38–13 victory.

Kittle finished the 2022 season with 60 receptions for 765 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns in 15 games and starts. He tied for third in the NFL in receiving touchdowns. Kittle received his fourth Pro Bowl nomination in 2022, tying Brent Jones' franchise record for total career Pro Bowl selections by a tight end. The 49ers finished atop the NFC West with a 13–4 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #2-seed. During the Wild Card Round against the Seahawks, Kittle caught two passes for 37 yards in the 41–23 victory. In the Divisional Round against the Cowboys, he was the leading receiver with five receptions for 95 yards. During the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles, Kittle had three receptions for 32 yards in the 31–7 road loss. He was ranked 19th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2023 season

During a Week 2 30–23 road victory over the Rams, Kittle passed 400 receptions in only 84 games, the shortest time to get to 400 receptions in 49ers franchise history, and the fourth-shortest time to do so in NFL history. In the next game against the Giants on Thursday Night Football, he had seven receptions for 90 yards in the 30–12 victory. Two weeks later against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, Kittle recorded three receptions for 67 yards and three touchdowns in the 42–10 victory.

During Week 7 against the Vikings on Monday Night Football, Kittle led the 49ers in receiving with five receptions for 78 yards in the 22–17 road loss. In the next game against the Bengals, he had nine receptions for 149 yards during the 31–17 loss. Following a Week 9 bye, the 49ers went on the road to face the Jaguars. Kittle finished the 34–3 blowout victory with three receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. The following week against the Buccaneers, he caught eight passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in the 27–14 victory.

During a Week 14 28–16 victory over the Seahawks, Kittle recorded three receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day, he had seven receptions for 126 yards in the 33–19 loss.

Kittle finished the 2023 season with 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games and starts. He was selected to his fifth career Pro Bowl, breaking the franchise record for total career Pro Bowl selections by a tight end. Kittle also earned first team All-Pro honors for the second time. The 49ers finished atop the NFC West with a 12–5 record and earned the #1-seed in the NFC. In the Divisional Round against the Packers, Kittle had four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown during the 24–21 victory. During the Divisional Round against the Lions, he caught two passes for 27 yards in the 34–31 comeback victory as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LVIII. In the Super Bowl against the Chiefs, Kittle recorded two receptions for four yards before a shoulder injury during the third minute of overtime and went to the locker room for the rest of the 25–22 loss. He was ranked 14th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

2024 season

During a Week 2 23–17 road loss to the Vikings, Kittle had seven receptions for 76 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Two weeks later against the New England Patriots, he recorded four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown in the 30–13 victory. In the next game against the Cardinals, Kittle caught eight passes for 64 yards and a touchdown during the narrow 24–23 loss.

During Week 6 against the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, Kittle recorded five receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the 36–24 road victory. In the next game against the Chiefs, he was the leading receiver with six receptions for 92 yards during the 28–18 loss. The following week against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, Kittle had six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown in the 30–24 victory.

Following a Week 9 bye, the 49ers went on the road to face the Buccaneers. Kittle finished the 23–20 victory with three receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. However, he missed the next game against the Seahawks due to a hamstring injury. Kittle returned the following week against the Packers and caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in the 38–10 road loss.

During a Week 14 38–13 victory over the Bears, Kittle had six receptions for 151 yards. Two weeks later against the Miami Dolphins, he caught eight passes for 106 yards in the 29–17 road loss. In the next game against the Lions on Monday Night Football, Kittle recorded eight receptions for 112 yards during the 40–34 loss.

Kittle finished the 2024 season with 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games and starts. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the sixth time. Kittle also registered four games with over 100 receiving yards, the most by any tight end in the NFL. His receiving yards mark his fourth career and second-consecutive 1,000-yard season, while his four career 1,000-yard seasons were the third-most in franchise history and tied for the second-most by a tight end in NFL history, only behind Travis Kelce.

2025 season

On April 29, 2025, the 49ers and Kittle agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with $40 million guaranteed. The contract averaged $19.1 million per year, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league.

During the season-opener against the Seahawks, Kittle had four receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown before leaving the eventual 17–13 road victory in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. On September 9, he was placed on injured reserve with a torn hamstring. Kittle was activated off injured reserve on October 15.

During a Week 8 26–15 road loss to the Houston Texans, Kittle caught four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later against the Rams, he had nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in the 42–26 loss. In the next game against the Cardinals, Kittle recorded six receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns during the 41–22 road victory.

During Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans, Kittle recorded eight receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown in the 37–24 victory. In the next game against the Colts, he had seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown before leaving the eventual 48–27 road victory during the third quarter with an ankle injury. The next day, Kittle was named to his seventh Pro Bowl.

Kittle finished the 2025 season with 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games and starts. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West with a 12–5 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #6-seed. During the Wild Card Round against the Eagles, Kittle left the eventual 23–19 victory in the second quarter after suffering an injury while making a six-yard reception. It was later revealed that he tore his Achilles tendon, ending his season. On January 13, 2026, Kittle was placed on injured reserve.

Career statistics

NFL

<table><thead><tr><th>Legend</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bold</td><td>Career high</td></tr></tbody></table>

Regular season

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Team</th><th>Games</th><th>Receiving</th><th>Rushing</th><th>Fumbles</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>GP</td><td>GS</td><td>Rec</td><td>Yds</td><td>Avg</td><td>Lng</td><td>TD</td><td>Att</td><td>Yds</td><td>Avg</td><td>Lng</td><td>TD</td><td>Fum</td><td>Lost</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>SF</td><td>15</td><td>7</td><td>43</td><td>515</td><td>12.0</td><td>44</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>SF</td><td>16</td><td>16</td><td>88</td><td>1,377</td><td>15.6</td><td>85</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>10</td><td>10.0</td><td>10</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>SF</td><td>14</td><td>14</td><td>85</td><td>1,053</td><td>12.4</td><td>61</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>22</td><td>4.4</td><td>18</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>SF</td><td>8</td><td>8</td><td>48</td><td>634</td><td>13.2</td><td>44</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>17</td><td>8.5</td><td>9</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>SF</td><td>14</td><td>14</td><td>71</td><td>910</td><td>12.8</td><td>48</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>20</td><td>6.7</td><td>9</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>SF</td><td>15</td><td>15</td><td>60</td><td>765</td><td>12.8</td><td>54</td><td>11</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>SF</td><td>16</td><td>16</td><td>65</td><td>1,020</td><td>15.7</td><td>66</td><td>6</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2.0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>SF</td><td>15</td><td>15</td><td>78</td><td>1,106</td><td>14.2</td><td>43</td><td>8</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>SF</td><td>11</td><td>11</td><td>57</td><td>628</td><td>11.0</td><td>33</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>-3</td><td>-3.0</td><td>-3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Career</td><td>124</td><td>116</td><td>595</td><td>8,008</td><td>13.5</td><td>85</td><td>52</td><td>13</td><td>68</td><td>5.2</td><td>18</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>2</td></tr></tbody></table>

Postseason

College

<table><thead><tr><th>Season</th><th>Team</th><th>GP</th><th>Receiving</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Rec</td><td>Yds</td><td>Avg</td><td>TD</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Iowa</td><td>0</td><td>Redshirt</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>Iowa</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>108</td><td>21.6</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Iowa</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>25</td><td>25.0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>Iowa</td><td>10</td><td>20</td><td>290</td><td>14.5</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>Iowa</td><td>9</td><td>22</td><td>314</td><td>14.3</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Career</td><td>25</td><td>48</td><td>737</td><td>15.4</td><td>10</td></tr></tbody></table>

Career highlights

Awards and honors

• 2× First-team All-Pro ((/wiki/2019All-ProTeam), (/wiki/2023All-ProTeam)) • 3× Second-team All-Pro ((/wiki/2018All-ProTeam), (/wiki/2022All-ProTeam), (/wiki/2024All-ProTeam)) • 7× Pro Bowl ((/wiki/2019ProBowl), (/wiki/2020ProBowl), (/wiki/2022ProBowl)–(/wiki/2026ProBowlGames))

NFL records

• Most receiving yards in a half by a tight end: 210 • First tight end to lead the league in yards after catch: 870 • Most receiving yards in first three seasons by a tight end: 2,945 • First tight end to achieve at least 150 receiving yards and one touchdown in two consecutive games

49ers franchise records

• Most receiving yards in a season by a tight end: 1,377 • Most receiving yards in a game by a tight end: 210 • Most receptions in a season by a tight end: 88 • First tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards • Fastest time to achieve 400 career receptions: 84 games (September 17, 2023, vs Los Angeles Rams) • Most career total Pro Bowl selections by a tight end: 7 • Most seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards by a tight end: 4

Personal life

George Kittle

(L-R) Kyle Juszczyk, Kristin Juszczyk, Claire Kittle, Violet (Valkyries mascot), George Kittle, Tori Moraga, and Ricky Pearsall at the Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Aug. 31, 2025.

Kittle married Claire Till on April 9, 2019. They met at the University of Iowa, where Claire played basketball. Kittle has stated that he has been an avid Chicago Bears fan since childhood. Kittle's sister Emma is married to Cody Ponce.

Kittle is a fan of professional wrestling, having cited Penta as his favorite wrestler, and uses his "Cero Miedo" (Spanish for "No Fear") taunt when he gets a first down. When the 49ers played in Mexico City in 2022, Kittle was given a 49ers themed lucha mask from Penta.

Other ventures

George Kittle

He has appeared in multiple TV commercials including the NFL, Little Caesars, Old Spice, Zenni Optical, Ritz Crackers, the Real Heroes Project.