George Kittle Not Planning to Retire Anytime Soon

George Kittle, the talented tight end for the 49ers, has been clear about his future in football, especially after suffering a significant Achilles injury during the playoffs.

During a recent episode of the “Ross Tucker Podcast,” Kittle, 32, was asked if this injury made him contemplate retirement. His response was straightforward: “No, that’s not true. I love football.” This came after a tough moment when he collapsed in the wild-card game against the Eagles back in January.

While he’s in recovery, Kittle humorously noted that both his body and wife Claire play roles in deciding when it’s time to hang up his cleats. “My body will tell me I can’t play anymore, and my wife will tell me I look like…well, not great,” he said. He added that regardless of any warnings, his passion for the game remains strong, claiming he still has a lot to give at a professional level.

Kittle missed the early part of the 2025 season due to a hamstring injury but managed to play in 11 regular-season games, ending the season with 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. A seven-time Pro Bowler, he has been with the 49ers since being drafted in 2017 from Iowa State.

The team certainly felt his absence during the divisional round when they faced the Seahawks, who ultimately won 41-6. Claire, who models for Sports Illustrated and has been married to Kittle since 2019, shared her emotional experiences regarding her husband’s injury. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote about her disbelief the moment he got hurt, repeatedly urging him to get up, reflecting just how deeply she felt for him during that time.

“I love this man with everything in me. He is a unicorn of this world and will come back stronger and better than ever,” she expressed.

Kittle remains optimistic about returning to the field soon. He mentioned in January that a comeback might be possible, with reports suggesting it could happen “well before November.”

Looking ahead, the 49ers are also gearing up to play internationally in 2026, marking the league’s first regular season game in Melbourne, Australia, against the Rams.