‘George Has Done It All’: Kittle Shines as a Bright Spot in the 49ers’ Tough Season

The energy and enthusiasm that George Kittle brings to the field are undeniable, and they have become an essential part of his legendary career. His infectious attitude and passion for the game have been a constant source of inspiration for his teammates, especially in a season filled with adversity. Despite the San Francisco 49ers facing a difficult 6-9 record, with no playoff berth in sight for the first time since 2020, Kittle has been a shining beacon of positivity and performance.

This all began with an unforgettable moment: a rare touchdown in a tough 29-17 loss to the Dolphins, marking only the third touchdown of Kittle’s eight-season career. When asked about Kittle’s emotional approach to the game, his teammate, tight end Ross Dwelley, couldn’t help but smile. “That’s just how he is,” Dwelley said. “He’s very uplifting and positive. We joke about it – we’re going through a rough season, but George maintains this positivity that’s really hard to do for normal people. It’s part of his mindset, and it’s part of why he’s so good.”

It’s no secret that attitude can play a huge role in success, and Kittle’s positive mindset has undoubtedly contributed to his excellence. Even with the 49ers’ struggles, Kittle has remained one of the team’s few consistent bright spots. The past year was a spectacular one for Kittle and his teammates, with the 49ers becoming the first team in NFL history to have a running back, two wide receivers, and a tight end each surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards in a single season. However, this season has been challenging with key injuries sidelining some of Kittle’s fellow stars. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey have combined for 23 missed games, and Deebo Samuel has faced his own set of challenges. Yet, Kittle continues to produce, even outpacing his remarkable 2023 numbers.

As of the Monday game against the visiting Detroit Lions, Kittle has already caught 68 passes for 967 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s on pace to surpass his 2023 production and is positioned to join elite company among tight ends. With just 33 more receiving yards against Detroit, Kittle will secure his fourth 1,000-yard season, joining an exclusive club that includes legends like Travis Kelce, Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, and Jason Witten, all of whom have at least four 1,000-yard seasons. Gonzalez, already enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will likely be joined by the others, and Kittle, with 7,241 receiving yards over his first eight seasons, is on a path to reach those heights as well.

Kittle, who is now 31 years old, is aware of the career milestones ahead of him and how his continued performance could lead to a Hall of Fame nod. Reflecting on his journey, Kittle noted, “The more seasons you can stack up like that, the more fun things you can do down the road.”

Kittle’s unwavering dedication and work ethic have made him an invaluable asset to the team. Even when the 49ers have faced tough situations, Kittle has been there every step of the way, showing up for every practice, every game. Purdy, who has shared the field with Kittle all season, shared his admiration for the tight end: “More than anything, he’s a guy that’s going to do anything for you when you step on the field. Off the field, he’s got your back. Every Sunday, he shows up. He’s doing the dirty work. He’s blocking, making tough plays, catching the ball, breaking tackles. George has done it all.”

Kittle’s commitment to excellence extends beyond game day. After the regular season, he heads to Panama for stem-cell treatments to ensure his body remains in peak condition. “The work doesn’t stop,” Saubert emphasized. And that preparation isn’t just for Kittle’s benefit – it’s for his fellow tight ends, too. He ensures they’re all ready for whatever challenges the game presents.

As Kittle approaches the final years of his contract, it’s possible that his dedication and production will be rewarded with a contract extension. Currently signed through the 2025 season, Kittle doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his deal, and the 49ers could reduce his salary cap charge by adding years to his contract. When asked about his contract, Kittle stated that he wouldn’t discuss it until the offseason. His focus, as always, is on finishing the season strong and continuing to be a beacon of positivity for the 49ers, no matter what the future holds.