George Kittle turns heads with major announcement about his NFL future

George Kittle might be one of the most charismatic players in the league — and without a doubt, one of the most talented at his position. The San Francisco 49ers continue to enjoy having him on their roster, but many are starting to wonder: how much longer will the star tight end play in the NFL?

The former Iowa Hawkeyes standout began his journey in 2017, after being selected by the Bay Area team with the 146th overall pick in the fifth round. Now heading into his ninth season with the 49ers, Kittle will once again aim to reach the Super Bowl alongside his teammates.

The 31-year-old tight end, in a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, was asked how much longer he plans to play professional football. Kittle responded by saying he’ll keep going until the day he no longer finds joy in the game.

“Literally until I don’t have fun anymore,” Kittle said. “Or if [his wife] Claire looks at me and goes, ‘You kinda look like (expletive) out there, you should retire.’ I’ll be like, ‘All right.’

George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.

“I don’t know, I think if I get to 35 and it hurts to put pants on in the morning, I think I’ll be like, ‘Ah, this isn’t that much fun anymore,’ and I’ll have a conversation with myself. But I’m feeling great right now.“

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Excitement for what’s ahead

Last season didn’t go as expected for the 49ers — not just in terms of results, but also in overall performance and physical setbacks. George Kittle is well aware of the situation and is now focused on approaching what’s next with renewed energy and full commitment.

“The one benefit of not making the playoffs is you get an entire month off,” Kittle explained. “I haven’t had January off since 2020. Mentally and physically, I’m lightyears ahead of where I was the last two years, which is pretty fun.”

It will be a matter of waiting until Week 1 to truly see where the tight end stands — and whether he can, in fact, lead his 49ers to a strong NFL season.