George Kittle draws strength from a legacy of athletes, anchored by the resilience of his wife Claire
George Kittle has carved out a remarkable career in the NFL since being drafted from the University of Iowa. As a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, he has not only amassed multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl nominations but has also solidified his status among the elite in his position throughout the late 2010s and into the 2020s. Yet, the foundation of Kittle’s success isn’t solely rooted in his own achievements; it is deeply intertwined with the athletic accomplishments and unwavering support of his family.
A Family of Athletes
Kittle’s family is a tapestry of athletic prowess. His wife, Claire, and his mother both excelled in basketball, while his father, Bruce Kittle, was a standout football player at Iowa. This lineage of athletic excellence has surrounded Kittle since childhood, shaping his competitive spirit and work ethic.
Claire Kittle: A Journey of Resilience
George’s wife, Claire Kittle, played a significant role in his life both on and off the field. Their paths first crossed at the University of Iowa, where Claire showcased her basketball talent. A nominee for the McDonald’s All-American team during her high school years at Wahlert Catholic High School, she went on to average 1.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game during her college career. Unfortunately, a knee injury during her senior season cut her basketball journey short.
Reflecting on her experiences, Claire shared her thoughts in a poignant blog post from 2017. “Without awful knees, I know I would have accomplished more on the basketball court, but because of the trials my knees brought, I am the strongest person I know,” she wrote on her blog, Letty Set Go. “Life can get you pretty down from time to time but it’s never the end. Make a goal, see it happen and work your butt off to make it a reality. The pits make the peaks that much sweeter.”
A Unique Love Story
The couple became engaged in 2018 and eloped before the start of the 2019 NFL season, later hosting a larger wedding celebration with friends in 2021. Claire recalled the spontaneity of their decision, stating, “I had always looked up to those people who ran away and eloped or just walked right up to the courthouse and left married. Thought it was so cool! We knew football was starting up again and Lord knows nothing but football gets done during football season. So we pulled the trigger and planned this wedding in a week!”
Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, the Kittles share their home with their dog, Deenie. Their Nashville residence has also become the venue for “Kittle Fest,” an annual fundraising event that supports various initiatives, featuring musical performances, food, and entertainment.
Facing Life’s Challenges Together
In a candid revelation, Claire shared her experience with an ectopic pregnancy in 2023, detailing the emotional rollercoaster she and George faced. On Christmas morning, they took a pregnancy test, eagerly anticipating the news. “Fast forward to Jan 10th, I had a routine ultrasound putting me right around 7.5 weeks pregnant,” she recounted. “The nurse giving my ultrasound went silent for a while and I asked, ‘I’m still early; there’s probably nothing to see yet, right?’ She responded with, ‘I see a pregnancy here; it’s just not in the correct place; it’s ectopic… I felt my soul leave my body as I knew exactly what that meant.'”
Claire has become a vocal presence on social media, where she has nearly 400,000 followers. She frequently shares her support for George’s career, expressing her pride and admiration. After Super Bowl LVIII, she wrote, “I am so happy that I get to live this life with you, that I get to travel to all your games, that I get to kiss you on the field. I believe wholeheartedly there’s nothing you can’t do. You’re an amazing athlete but an even better person.”
The Kittles’ journey together, marked by love, resilience, and a shared commitment to athletic excellence, exemplifies a partnership built on mutual support and inspiration.
