San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (85) - Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
The Super Bowl is only a few days away and just one former Iowa player is participating. He is more than just a former Iowa player though, he is the People’s Tight End, George Kittle. The Super Bowl will be between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Here is a look back at Kittle’s time at Iowa, and his role in the game this weekend.
George Kittle: The Iowa Player
Kittle joined the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2012 but did not play that year as he was redshirted. Kittle did not play much in 2013 or 2014 either. It was in 2015 that his playing time increased. In his four years playing, Kittle ended up with 48 receptions for 737 yards and ten touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. As known, Kittle is an excellent blocker as well, so even if the stats do not show it, he was a big part of many other plays.
A little fun fact is that Kittle was drafted by the 49ers because of his Iowa quarterback, C.J. Beathard. As the 49ers were scouting the quarterback, that is how they discovered Kittle’s talents. The team ended up drafting both of them, and the rest is history. The 49ers selected Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 146th overall pick.
Kittle’s 2023 Season
This year has been a solid season for Kittle. He hit 1,000 receiving yards and as always, he was, and still is a big leader for this team. This season, Kittle played in all but one game. He missed the final matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Luckily for the 49ers, this was the game that the team sat most of their starters. This season, Kittle had 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. These stats do not include the amount of blocking he does on the offense. Even if the team runs the ball, Kittle and the entire offense are involved. So far in the post-season, Kittle has six receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. Once Kittle gets the ball in his hands, he will do whatever it takes to get the extra yards.
Role in the Super Bowl
The tight end will have a large role in the Super Bowl. When the 49ers lost the big game in 2020, Kittle vowed to be back and win it. While sure, every player says that anyone who watches Kittle play knows he will do what it takes to help his team win. Kittle will be essential to keep the offense focused, while also taking the stress off the team. He cracks jokes on the sideline, and it clearly helps keep the team loose. Even through the humor, Kittle is there to support his team. When the 49ers were down at halftime against the Lions, he was there to keep the hope alive. If the ball is in his hands, he will definitely do whatever he can to get it downfield.
The Super Bowl will be February 11th between the 49ers and the Chiefs. Be sure to watch this former Iowa player fight for the Lombardi Trophy.
For a look at other former Big Ten players competing in the Super Bowl, see below:
Michigan players competing, click here.
Michigan State players competing, click here.
Nebraska players competing, click here.
Ohio State players competing, click here.
Penn State players competing, click here.
Purdue players competing, click here.
Rutgers players competing, click here.
Wisconsin players competing, click here.
