To commemorate George Kittle's 5-year extension with the 49ers, here are my Top 5 plays of his in the Red and Gold. It wasn't easy to choose only 5, so there are a few honorable mentions at the end.
5. The Birth of the Jimmy G <> Kittle Connection
Week 16 vs. JAX - December 24, 2017
Now the play itself is not amazing, but this is the first time Garoppolo and Kittle connected for a touchdown together in their careers. This score gave the 49ers a 23-19 lead in the 3rd quarter in what turned out to be a shootout, ending in a 44-33 win for San Francisco. Way to make an impact rookie!
END OF 3RD QUARTER:#49ers 23 Jaguars 19
Jimmy G to George Kittle give SF the lead! Garoppolo 18/26 for 222 yards 1 TD 1 INTpic.twitter.com/a0Gz5oUIBg
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 24, 2017
Levi's Stadium should see a healthy amount of TDs from this duo in the coming years.
4. Blocking Beast
Week 15 vs. ATL - December 15, 2019
I can't help but include a blocking play since it's one of the primary reasons why Kittle is the best TE in the NFL. Not only does George block like a lineman, but he genuinely finds joy in putting another man on his behind. Although it was in a losing effort, it's hard not to smile (as George smiles) after this block on Ricardo Allen.
George Kittle is a SAVAGE!
Peep the smile after he took Allen out to brunch at @ihop pic.twitter.com/3CK3wOebNc
— TheSFNiners (@TheSFNiners) December 15, 2019
3. One Handed Grab
Week 9 vs. OAK - November 1, 2018
In a season during which there was not much to be excited about, George Kittle electrified 49ers fans with this crazy one-handed catch versus the then Oakland Raiders. He even admitted in a post-game interview that his eyes weren't even open when he caught it.
George Kittle's one handed catch against The Raiders NEVER gets old! | #49ers pic.twitter.com/OPWR6AaekQ
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) May 4, 2020
2. Record Breaker
Week 17 @ LAR - December 30, 2018
In the last few minutes of the 2018 season, Kittle set the record for the most receiving yards by a TE with 1,377 after a 43-yard tuddy from Nick Mullens. What a season.
With this 43-yard touchdown, #49ers tight end George Kittle set the single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end at 1,377 yards. He surpassed Travis Kelce's record of 1,336 yards, which was set today. #SFvsLAR
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) December 31, 2018
(🎥: @49ers)pic.twitter.com/42xAGGVnVp
1. Face Mask and Friends
Week 14 @ NO - December 8, 2019
No explanation necessary. Enjoy.
Can't catch him when he goes right bayou 😤@gkittle46 | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/TDnEHk4TUX
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2019
Honorable Mentions:
Cheese Grater
Week 12 vs. GB - November 24, 2019
George Kittle with a 61-yard touchdown catch and run... #49ers #Packers
— Christopher Reiss (@ReissReport) November 25, 2019
pic.twitter.com/AKaA8eq5dt
Playing Through Injury
Week 9 @ GB - October 31, 2019
Remember on an earlier play when we thought George Kittle might be injured? 😳
Yup, he's good …
Cardinals — 7
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 1, 2019
49ers — 7pic.twitter.com/E2I0cnFpby
85 for 85
Week 14 @ GB - December 9, 2018
George Kittle for an 85 yard TD! 😳
🎥 @thecheckdownpic.twitter.com/mkWGL0g6fx
— SB Nation (@SBNation) December 9, 2018
Comment your favorite play from #85!
