American · Wharton, USA · Born 9 October 1993George Kittle is a San Francisco 49ers tight end renowned for combining elite receiving production with standout blocking.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, George Daniel Kittle grew up in a football family as the son of former college player Bruce Kittle. He attended Iowa City West High School before enrolling at the University of Iowa, where he played for the Hawkeyes from 2013 to 2016. Despite battling injuries during his college career, Kittle demonstrated the versatility and athleticism that would later define his professional success. The San Francisco 49ers selected Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, making him the 146th overall pick. He quickly established himself as a foundational piece of the team's offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Kittle's breakout season came in 2018 when he shattered the single-season receiving yards record for a tight end, accumulating 1,377 yards on 88 receptions. This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors. He continued his elite production in subsequent seasons, becoming a consistent dual-threat weapon capable of dominating both as a receiver and run blocker. Kittle's record-breaking 2018 campaign stands as his signature achievement, surpassing the previous tight end receiving record by over 60 yards. His ability to generate yards after catch, combined with his willingness to deliver punishing blocks in the running game, revolutionized expectations for the tight end position. He played a crucial role in the 49ers' run to Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season, helping anchor an offense that reached the championship game. Kittle's impact extends beyond individual statistics to his transformation of how modern tight ends are utilized. His combination of elite receiving skills and dominant blocking ability has influenced offensive schemes throughout the NFL. Known for his energetic personality and physical playing style, he has become one of the most recognizable faces of the 49ers franchise and a defining player of his generation at the tight end position.
San Francisco 49ers elite blocking and receiving tight end
How They Played
Elite route runner with exceptional yards after catch ability, combined with outstanding blocking skills making him a complete tight end
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized the tight end position with elite receiving ability and blocking skills, establishing new standards for dual-threat tight ends
Career Honours
- 5x Pro Bowl
- 2x First-Team All-Pro
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 2017–2024 | 124 | #85 |
American Athletes