George Kittle may have cost the 49ers a possession in the 25-22 Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs.
The tight end’s chatter, picked up by a microphone on the show “NFL Turning Point,” was smooth sailing until he was sacrificed on the team’s opening drive, when running back Christian McCaffrey fumbled the football and Kittle failed to pick it up. Ta.
Instead, he finished a block against Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis, and when he thought the play was over, he turned to his opponent and said, “Hey, George.”
Karlaftis didn’t even bother to say hello when he noticed a soccer ball on the field.
He immediately jumped on it and beat Kittle on the ball, giving the Chiefs the ball. The Chiefs have now won three Super Bowls in the past five seasons.
As the clip plays, the announcer can be heard saying, “Kittle had a chance to get it.”
With this one play, San Francisco didn’t miss out on a big win, but it missed an opportunity to send an early message to the Chiefs in the first half, when it was difficult to get points.
The Chiefs then had possession of the ball, going three-and-out and not scoring until the final moments of the first half.
Fans who saw the video, which went viral on social media on Thursday, were quick to criticize it.
“One guy was thinking about the ball. The other guy wanted to talk. No wonder KC, who was more prepared in every way, won that game.” Written by user.
“Kittle was trying to play around and missed the ball on the ground.” Another post.
There is another post on X, this one An example of the difference between the two teams.
“It’s the little things that make a team a champion. Knowing the rules and playing with the whistle…dynasties are there for a reason.”
However, other fans defended Kittle.
“Did you enjoy George Kittle?” Yes. Was Kittle still dragging his feet to stay in front of Karlaftis? yes,” he wrote
“Kittle should never look behind his head and expect to see a fumble. Blaming Kittle for having his back turned is ridiculous.”
Kittle was largely absent from the passing game against the 49ers on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, catching two of three targets for four yards.
Kittle then left the game with a shoulder injury during the 49ers’ overtime game with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line, but Kittle returned to the field on the same possession with 9 minutes, 43 seconds remaining.
This season, he had 1,020 yards with six touchdowns, earning him his fifth Pro Bowl appearance and second All-Pro nod.
