George Kittle joins exclusive club of tight ends by writing another piece of history for 49ers vs. Lions
It's been a year to forget overall for the San Francisco 49ers. However, from a statistical perspective for All-Pro tight end George Kittle, it has been one to celebrate. Kittle went into the 49ers' final home game of the season against the Detroit Lions needing 33 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. It took […]
It's been a year to forget overall for the San Francisco 49ers. However, from a statistical perspective for All-Pro tight end George Kittle, it has been one to celebrate.
Kittle went into the 49ers' final home game of the season against the Detroit Lions needing 33 yards to reach 1,000 for the season.
It took him just two catches to achieve the feat, doing so inside the first quarter with receptions of 15 and 20 yards.
The five-time Pro Bowler now has four seasons with 1,000 yards receiving, putting him in an exclusive club among the greatest to ever play the position.
Indeed, Kittle becomes one of only five tight ends in NFL history to record four 1,000-yard seasons, following in the footsteps of Travis Kelce (seven), Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski and Jason Witten (all four).
On top of that Kittle is one of just three 49ers players in franchise history with four such seasons.
He joins Jerry Rice (12) and Terrell Owens (five) in that group.
Asked about his legacy ahead of the Lions game, Kittle said: "I'll look back on that whenever I'm done playing.
"It is what it is, but I'm just very excited that I've got to spend eight years with the San Francisco 49ers; hopefully, continue to play here because it's a storied franchise. And hopefully, can eventually catch [Terrell Owens].
"I don't think I'll ever catch Jerry Rice on anything, but that's totally fine. I'm okay with that. I don't think I want to play that long."
If he carries on in his current vein of form in 2025, Kittle will be able to celebrate catching Owens next year.
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He’s avoided being in a very unfavorable situation.
