George Kittle is entering his 10th NFL season with a new challenge. He is coming off atorn Achilles and is racing against time to be ready to return to action byWeek 1. The veteran tight end sustained the injury on Jan. 11 in the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles.
He has since undergone surgery and has been rehabbing it throughout the offseason. Kittle recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 regular-season games, and made one reception for six yards in the playoffs. The 32-year-old earned his seventh Pro Bowl selection despite a down year by his high standards. He aims to bounce back strong in 2026 and help lead the San Francisco 49ers to a deeper run.
San Francisco tight end George K. (85) looks on during warmups prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
49ers Star George Kittle’s Photos Through 10 NFL Seasons Draw Attention
The NFL posted 10 photos of Kittle on Instagram, from his rookie year to this offseason. It showed his big change in physical appearance and drew a lot of fan reactions.
“Rookie George Kittle ➡️ 10-year vet George Kittle 👋,” the NFL wrote.
“Beard evolution to🙌,” one fan said.
“Football did a number on his ears,” a comment read.
“Forget dragonite.. @gkittle this is a superior evolution,” one user reacted.
“He looks like his own dad,” posted another.
“He looks like the kid from Home Alone all grown up! Love George & Claire!” another fan wrote.
“He went from a charmander to a charizard! 🔥🦖,” a reaction read.
The biggest changes in his looks are his beard and longer hair. Kittle entered the league with only a goatee and almost a buzz cut.
San Francisco drafted him in the fifth round at No. 146 overall in 2017. The Iowa Hawkeyes product has spent his entire professional career with the 49ers. He holds several franchise records, including most receiving yards in a season by a tight end and being the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
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