Tight end George Kittle was one of two San Francisco 49ers named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday. The second-year player and franchise's all-time leading tight end in single season receiving yards — a record he will continue to add to during the next two games — joined NFL Network on Tuesday night to discuss his first selection to the annual all-star game.
"I'm kind of speechless," Kittle said on NFL Total Access. "I just have the utmost respect for every single tight end in the league. And the fact that my peers voted me in, it's very humbling, and I'm super excited to go to Orlando."
That's when Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher jumped into the interview to speak with Kittle.
"I just want to say you've been one of my heroes since I was a little kid, so talking to you for the first time ever is pretty big for me," Kittle told the former Chicago Bear. "Just a huge fan. I grew up a big Bears fan so watching you play and now getting to talk to you is pretty awesome."
"You've had a great season," Urlacher responded. "You can run. That's for damn sure. We're glad to have you on the team."
Urlacher, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, and former Dallas Cowboys pass rusher DeMarcus Ware and running back Emmitt Smith will serve as Pro Bowl Legends Captains for the game. Kittle got to speak with the first three during the interview.
You can watch the segment between Kittle and Urlacher below.
"You've been one of my heroes since I was a little kid so talking to you for the first time ever is pretty big for me." - @gkittle46 to @BUrlacher54.
📺: @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/BeVxANR6ZG
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 19, 2018
Ware asked what it is like being the face of the 49ers in just his second season.
"It's an honor being able to play well on such a storied franchise," Kittle responded. "It's just really fun. The whole year, it's been pretty successful. I'd like some more wins, but I think those are going to come in the next couple of years."
Click here to watch the entire interview with Kittle.
Kittle currently has 72 receptions for 1,154 yards with four touchdowns this season. His 210-yard, Week 14 performance against the Denver Broncos ranks No. 3 for receiving yards by a tight end in a single game.
The Pro Bowl will take place on January 27, 2019, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
