George Kittle
He transformed the tight end position with a ferocious blocking style and a record-breaking ability to gain yards after the catch.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American football player·Birthday: October 9·Millennials
Biography
George Kittle emerged from the University of Iowa, a program known for developing tough, no-nonsense players, and carried that ethos directly into the NFL. Drafted in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, he was initially seen as a project. He quickly shattered those expectations, not just by catching passes but by playing with a palpable, infectious joy and physicality that redefined his role. Kittle became the engine of the 49ers' offense under coach Kyle Shanahan, setting a single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end in 2018. His impact is twofold: he is a devastating blocker in the run game, setting the edge like an offensive tackle, and a dynamic receiver who turns short catches into long gains through sheer will. His energy and leadership were central to the 49ers' runs to the Super Bowl in the 2019 and 2023 seasons.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
George was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When George Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
George's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the NFL single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,377 in 2018.
- Earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2019 and 2023.
- Has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his career.
- Played a pivotal role in leading the San Francisco 49ers to two Super Bowl appearances (LIV and LVIII).
Did You Know?
His father, Bruce Kittle, played offensive line at the University of Iowa and later coached there.
He is known for his extensive and colorful collection of wrestling-themed t-shirts worn during media appearances.
Kittle starred in a popular YouTube series called 'Bay Area Revelations' with teammate Joe Staley.
He was a walk-on at the University of Iowa before earning a scholarship.
“I just try to bring as much energy as I can, because if I'm having fun, I'm playing well.”
