George Kittle

George Krieger Kittle, born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin, is an American professional football player who’s achieved significant recognition as a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Raised in a family with a keen interest in sports, Kittle’s passion for football began during his early days in Iowa, where his family relocated when he was young. From a young age, George was nurtured under the guidance of his father, Bruce Kittle, a former college football coach and a four-year letterman. George’s mother, Jan Krieger, also had an illustrious sports career and was an All-American honor athlete in basketball and softball at Drake University.

George Kittle began his journey into the world of football when he was a student in Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa. Additionally, he attended Cedar Falls High School and Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma. The commitment to football seemed natural for the young tight end, who decided to carry on his budding football career at the University of Iowa, home to the Hawkeyes, under coach Kirk Ferentz.

Despite having a packed tight-end unit at the Hawkeyes, Kittle secured his place and soon started showing sparks of his talents in his first college games. His first collegiate reception, which went for 47 yards, was against the Missouri state bears and was the start of a successful college career. He finished his college term with 48 receptions for 737 yards and a career total of 10 touchdowns.

After a successful collegiate career, George Kittle set his sights on the NFL and attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. His exceptionally good performance, consisting of a third-place finish in the broad jump, fifth in the 40-yard dash, and sixth in the vertical jump among tight ends, was highly appreciated. During the run-up to the NFL Draft, Kittle was projected as a third or fourth round pick.

In 2017, he was selected in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers as the 146th overall pick. His time in the 49ers was marked by triumph and growth, with George quickly establishing himself as a key player. In his first season, he made 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns. His continued hard work, dedication and, consistent performance made him one of the most valuable players on the team. Kittle’s exceptional skills as a tight end saw him earn five nominations to the Pro Bowl and he was recognized as first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2023.

After signing a significant five-year, $75 million contract with the 49ers in 2020, Kittle officially became the highest-earning tight end in the league. The contract was well-deserved for the star, who finished with 48 receptions for 634 receiving yards and two touchdowns in that season alone.

In a game that would go down history during the 2023 season, Kittle passed 400 receptions in only 84 games to mark the shortest time to get to 400 receptions in 49ers franchise history, as well as the fourth-shortest in the NFL’s history. His record-breaking journey continued, and he was subsequently selected for the Pro Bowl for the fifth time, surpassing the franchise record set by Brent Jones.

From his days of playing college football at Iowa to setting unprecedented records in the NFL, George Kittle’s journey has been marked by tenacity, dedication, and a passion for the sport. Today, he stands as an essential pillar in the San Francisco 49ers set up and is one of the most renowned tight ends in America. His remarkable achievements have truly established him as a footballer worth watching in the coming years.