Tight end George Kittle has only been part of an NFC West-clinching San Francisco 49ers team once before in his NFL career. Coincidentally, that division-clinching victory came against the same opponent and even on the same field as Sunday's game.
Kittle relished in the accomplishment, knowing that division titles are tough to come by. By beating the Seattle Seahawks 21-13, the 49ers ensured they would open the postseason at home. But doing it at Lumen Field meant a little more to the tight end.
"First off, this stadium and these fans, they're fantastic," Kittle told reporters after the game. "You feel their hate, and you've just got to love it. Because our Niners fans [say], 'We hate them. They hate us.' But it's just a fantastic atmosphere. It's always so loud. The fans bring it every single time. Being able to win here means a lot."
One former teammate helped Kittle appreciate what it means to win in Seattle—Joe Staley.
"He'd just talk about how hard it is to win here," Kittle shared. "He's had big games here where he's won. He's had big games where he lost. So I just kind of channeled my Joe Staley energy tonight. I definitely thought about that.
"I just remember when we beat them in '19, and Joe was crying coming off the field. You feel that, and you realize how hard it is because you don't get to this situation very often."
Staley has always been open about his disgust for the Seahawks. San Francisco went 7-16 against Seattle during the former offensive lineman's 13 seasons in the league, all of which were spent with the 49ers.
Staley wasn't the only one who helped Kittle appreciate the moment.
"My tight end coach (Brian Fleury) told me last night, in however many years, like 15, 20 years (Since 2013, actually) he's been coaching in the NFL, this was his fourth or fifth opportunity ever to clinch the division," Kittle said. "He's like, 'They don't come very often, so don't let this opportunity pass. Bring everything you can tonight. You're going to get a couple of days off. It doesn't matter how tired you are. Bring it every single snap, so we can celebrate.'"
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