Jun 10, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) works out with his teammates during an OTA at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers: George Kittle Reveals Admirable Strategy to Combat Father Time

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 1:22 AM ET

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a disappointing season, as they won just six games and finished last in the NFC West division. That was a big downturn for them, considering they came just a win away from having a Super Bowl parade a season before.

One bright spot last season for the team was none other than superstar tight end George Kittle, who secured his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign in 2024. San Francisco also rewarded their long-time TE with a four-year, $76.4 million extension in the offseason, which could very well make him a 49er for life.

In any case, he’ll continue to have a big role on the team going forward, with the 49ers eyeing a bounce-back in 2025, with Kittle expected to be featured heavily on offense. In 2025, he recorded 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 78 receptions and 94 targets.

San Francisco 49ers’ Kittle explains job approach as he looks to stretch his career

At 31 years old, Kittle can still offer a lot to the table for the 49ers, but he’s not taking anything for granted either. He knows he’ll not be in the NFL forever, but he’s focused on stretching his career and place among the elites as long as possible.

“I’ve always hung my hat on the fact that I know that if I’m playing at my best that there’s no one that is going to take my job and that I’m going to continue to play at a really high level,” Kittle said, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.

“There are 10,000 kids who would love to be the starting tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. And it is my job to not let any of their dreams come true … That is one thing that keeps me going and one thing that just makes me want to play for as long as I possibly can.”

Jun 11, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) jokes with fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) during a team OTA at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: