Net Worth and Salary
George Kittle, a standout NFL tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, boasts a net worth of $20 million. Since joining the 49ers in 2017, Kittle has become one of the league’s premier players, earning multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors and appearing in Super Bowl LIV. His talent and hard work culminated in a groundbreaking five-year, $75 million contract signed in 2020, which included an $18 million signing bonus. This deal made Kittle the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, providing an average annual salary of $14 million.
Early Life and High School
Born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin, George Kittle grew up alongside his sister, Emma. His family later relocated to Iowa, where Kittle attended Iowa City West High School and Cedar Falls High School before graduating from Norman High School in Oklahoma. These formative years laid the foundation for his football journey.
Collegiate Career
Kittle followed in the footsteps of his father, Bruce, by committing to the University of Iowa, where he played for the Hawkeyes. His freshman and sophomore seasons were modest, with a combined total of just six receptions. However, he made significant strides in his junior year, recording 20 receptions for 290 yards and six touchdowns. As a senior, Kittle continued to improve, posting 22 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers: 2017–2019
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Kittle quickly made an impact. In his rookie season, he recorded 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore season was historic: he set a franchise record for a tight end with 210 receiving yards in a single game and became the first 49ers tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Kittle finished 2018 with an NFL record of 1,377 receiving yards for a tight end, and he earned his first Pro Bowl selection. In 2019, he solidified his status as an elite player, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and leading his team to Super Bowl LIV.
San Francisco 49ers: 2020–2023
The 2020 season was challenging for Kittle due to injuries, including a broken foot, limiting him to just eight games. He rebounded in 2021 with 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl selection. In 2022, Kittle achieved a career-high 11 touchdowns and continued to shine, becoming the fastest 49ers player to reach 400 career receptions in 2023.
Personal Life
Off the field, George Kittle married Claire Till, a former University of Iowa basketball player, in 2019. The couple’s relationship is rooted in their college years and continues to thrive.
