San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle's record-breaking season has earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America's All-NFC Team. He is joined by wide receiver Richie James, who earned a spot for his special teams accomplishments.
Kittle's 1,377 receiving yards from 88 catches in 2018 set a single-season record for NFL tight ends. The second-year player was one of just two 49ers selected to the Pro Bowl and was named second-team All-Pro for his efforts this past season.
"It's been a great year for George," quarterback Nick Mullens recently told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area on the 49ers Insider Podcast. "He's a baller. I think every football fan out there knows that."
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce got the nod over Kittle on the Pro Football Writers of America's All-NFL team.
James was also named to ESPN's all-rookie team this week. The 49ers made him a seventh-round draft pick out of Middle Tennessee State last April.
James returned 23 kickoffs for a combined 580 yards with a touchdown this past season. That's an average of 25.2 yards per return. He also had 12 punt returns for a combined 75 yards. What really got James noticed was a 97-yard kickoff return during the 49ers' 26-23 overtime victory against the Seattle Seahawks during Week 15.
In addition to his special teams contributions, James registered nine receptions for 130 yards with one touchdown through 13 games and two starts at wide receiver.
New York Jets receiver and return specialist Andre Roberts got the nod over James as the kick returner on the Pro Football Writers of America's All-NFL team.