"Energetic and explosive," quarterback Brock Purdy said in an interview for the reveal. "You get the ball in his hands, man, he can run past guys, break tackles. And he's funny. On the sideline, he's asking me for some Toyotas and talking about commercials and stuff, like, mid-game. And I'm like, 'Bro, lock in.'"
Kittle, 31, is coming off another standout season for the 49ers. In 2024, he played 15 games, hauling in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him his sixth Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.
Since entering the league in 2017, Kittle has topped 1,000 receiving yards in four seasons, amassing 7,380 career yards and 45 touchdowns. He's been a consistent and trusted target for every 49ers quarterback he's played with, with Purdy being the latest to benefit.
"And Kittle makes it easy because he's got unbelievable route-running ability to create separation," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh recently said. "And he's a big body that still has all the speed he had when he was a younger man. He's still young.
"It's a testament to Kittle, doesn't matter who the quarterback is—he's going to work relentlessly with that quarterback and with himself to put himself in position to be a playmaker."
The rankings for the following 49ers players have been announced so far:
- TE George Kittle: No. 31
- OT Trent Williams: No. 45
- DE Nick Bosa: No. 57
- RB Christian McCaffrey: No. 73
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' George Kittle fired up about one player's potential return
On Thursday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy expressed optimism that wide receiver Christian Kirk is trending toward making his 49ers debut. That could come as early as Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Another player in the locker... -
49ers announce these 7 players as inactive vs. Commanders
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders. These seven players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: DE Nick Bosa (knee, calf) OL Enrique Cruz DL Naquan Jones QB Kurtis Rourke WR Deebo... -
49ers players react to blockbuster DeForest Buckner trade
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a blockbuster trade Tuesday afternoon, acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. The move reunites Buckner with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in... -
49ers praise contributions from young players amid 6-0 start
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 6-0 with a 23-17 Monday night win over the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium. While the team's veteran leaders have played a significant role in the undefeated start, several young players, including rookies, have also made key...