George Kittle has come a long way from being a relatively overlooked prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft. Nearly a decade after the San Francisco 49ers selected him with the 146th overall pick, the larger-than-life tight end has become one of the NFL’s most recognizable personalities and a seven-time Pro Bowler. His rise was reflected in this summer’s player-voted NFL Top 100 list, where Kittle earned his eighth consecutive appearance, landing at No. 46 among the league’s most respected stars.
George Kittle Had a Quiet College Career at Iowa
It’s hard to imagine the 49ers’ dangerous offense without Kittle’s showmanship, but when the team drafted him in 2017, it was taking a chance on a relatively overlooked prospect. Kittle had 48 catches and 10 touchdowns during his college career at the University of Iowa, appearing in 49 games.
During his senior year in 2016, he caught 22 passes for 314 yards and four touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. But as he entered the NFL Draft, he wasn’t considered one of the top prospects at his position.
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The 49ers Took a Chance on Kittle in the Fifth Round
Not all NFL superstars are first-round draft picks. Tom Brady was a sixth-round selection in 2000. Cooper Kupp went in the third round of the 2017 draft, while Travis Kelce was a third-round pick in 2013. Kittle joined that group of players who went on to far exceed their draft-day expectations.
The 49ers selected Kittle with the 146th overall pick, meaning 145 players were chosen before him. He wasted little time making an impression, recording 43 receptions for 515 yards during his rookie season. But that was nothing compared to what he would accomplish in his second year.
In 2018, Kittle caught 88 passes for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns. He set an NFL single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end, establishing himself as one of the most productive players in 49ers history.
George Kittle Has Become One of the NFL’s Most Respected Players
What makes Kittle stand out goes beyond his speed and seemingly endless ability to find the football. He’s also earned tremendous respect from his fellow players, sports journalists and, perhaps most importantly, fans.
Kittle has earned seven Pro Bowl selections and five Associated Press All-Pro honors. His No. 46 ranking on the 2026 NFL Top 100 list offers another measure of the respect he’s earned around the league. The list is voted on by fellow NFL players, making the recognition particularly meaningful.
George Kittle’s Personality Is Bigger Than His Game
Known for his high-energy personality, big sense of humor and willingness to be the fun guy in the 49ers’ locker room, Kittle has become one of the NFL’s most recognizable personalities. He’s also a passionate professional wrestling fan who incorporates wrestling moves into his touchdown celebrations and on-field persona.
Kittle’s influence extends beyond his own team. He’s one of the founders of the annual Tight End University, alongside Travis Kelce and former NFL tight end Greg Olsen. The three-day event brings tight ends from across the league together to train, share knowledge and build a sense of community.
He also hosts The Kittle Things podcast with his wife, Claire Kittle, giving fans another glimpse into his life away from the field.
But Kittle’s NFL story began with just 48 college catches and a draft experience that nearly left him overlooked. Today, he’s one of the league’s most accomplished tight ends and a respected voice both on and off the field. Not bad for a player who had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called.
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