49ers' George Kittle sounds off on international games, potential 18-game season

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently joined CNBC's Alex Sherman. He shared his thoughts on two key NFL topics: the league's growing international footprint and the possibility of an 18-game regular season.

The NFL's global expansion will directly impact the 49ers' 2026 campaign. San Francisco is set to become the first team in league history to play multiple international games in non-consecutive weeks during the same season.

The 49ers will open the season in Melbourne against the Los Angeles Rams—marking the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia. Later in the year, the team is expected to host a game in Mexico City, reportedly in Week 11.

That's a significant increase in travel for a team that has already ranked among the most traveled in the NFL.

Kittle weighs in on international games

When asked whether the league's international push is seen as an opportunity or as too disruptive for teams, Kittle offered a balanced perspective.

"I'm both," Kittle said. "I think that some of the international travel is excessive. There's nothing natural about hopping on a plane for 15 hours. But it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'll probably never get an opportunity to play in Australia again, football for the San Francisco 49ers. So it's like, why not make the most of it?

"I'm going to enjoy myself. I've never been to Australia. I've heard amazing things about their love of the game of football."

Kittle previously played in Mexico City during the 2022 season and described it as one of the most memorable experiences of his career.

"It was the most fun I've had in another stadium, just how loud it was, how they watched the game, how they cheer for you, how much pride they take in being good fans," Kittle said. And so, I know it's going to be amazing. The travel is what it is, but I'm not going to really be able to do it again, so I might as well make the most of it."

Kittle proposes alternative to 18-game season

The NFL increased each team's schedule from 16 to 17 games in 2021, and many around the league believe an 18-game schedule is inevitable. Kittle, however, isn't in favor of further extending the season.

"I'm not a huge fan of that," he said. "We added a game already, and pay wasn't increased. And you're going to add an 18th game and not increase pay again."

If the league ultimately wants to expand the NFL regular season to 19 weeks, Kittle believes there's a way to protect players better while maintaining the schedule's structure.

"I think that there should be two byes already for 17 games because when all of your star players are getting hurt, I don't think it's very good for the brand," Kittle said. "What you could do, instead of adding an 18th [game], you just add another bye, and then, the season is 19 weeks regardless, because then everybody gets two byes.

"So, let's just do that, and it makes it easier on the players just a little bit, lets their bodies rest a little bit, and you get higher quality football for longer."