Pass rusher Dee Ford spoke with reporters on Thursday via a video conference call. He was asked what it is like facing Kittle in practice and if he remembers going against the tight end during the Kansas City Chiefs' 2018 matchup against the 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium.
"I do remember that game," Ford responded. "Me, him, and Joe (Staley) talked a lot, my last year in Kansas City, in between the plays. It was a very fun game.
"Kittle is Kittle, man. He's a beast. Of course we planned for him, and he still worked us. It was fun, great competition.
"As far as practice, Kittle is Kittle. He's going to make plays. He's going to block. He's the best blocking tight end, best catching tight end, best tight end in the league. So, it's always good competition going against him, and I'm proud of him. He really deserves every penny."
Another defender, cornerback K'Waun Williams, also spoke with reporters, and was asked about the challenges of going against Kittle in practices.
"You've just got to be disciplined from the start of it down to the end because he's just real crafty, he's strong, and he's just relentless in everything he does," Williams said. "He's willing to block in the run game. So you've just got to be on your A-game going against a guy like that."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
George Kittle: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has 'years left in the tank'
Many around the league are surprised by the elite production San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is delivering this season, especially after battling injuries and missing most of the 2024 campaign. Yet McCaffrey has bounced back in MVP-caliber fashion, racking... -
49ers Playoff Picture: San Francisco Postseason Deep Dive and Rooting Guide
The San Francisco 49ers and the Faithful have rooting interests in key NFL Week 14 games that will shape the 2025 NFC playoff race. Here's how this weekend's matchups impact the 49ers' postseason positioning, seeding, and path to the playoffs. NFL Week 14 of the 2025 NFL... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 15 matchup vs. Titans
The San Francisco 49ers will hold four full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The schedule includes a bonus Monday practice as the team returns from its bye week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Robert... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses futures of Brandon Aiyuk and Mac Jones
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined The TK Show with Tim Kawakami and discussed the futures of two key players—Brandon Aiyuk and Mac Jones. Recent reporting revealed that the 49ers voided Aiyuk's guaranteed money for 2026, a move many viewed as signaling an...