With most of the country in quarantine, social media has been a breeding ground for discussion in recent weeks with Twitter and Instagram users dishing on their favorite movies, TV shows, Easter candy and much more. It’s a good time to stir the pot and 49ers All-Pro George Kittle has done exactly that, submitting his Mount Rushmore of NFL tight ends for debate. Kittle was asked to name his top-five tight ends of all-time during Friday’s AMA (Ask Me Anything) for Bleacher Report, and these are the five he landed on:
Kittle went chalk with most of his picks—Gronk, Gates and Tony G were all no-brainers—though the Dallas Clark selection ruffled a few feathers online. Snubs like Jason Witten, Kellen Winslow and Shannon Sharpe would have been equally deserving (if not better) choices, though you can’t blame Kittle for favoring Clark, a fellow Iowa alum who enjoyed a successful 11-year NFL tenure spent mostly alongside Peyton Manning in Indianapolis. Kittle, who may someday find himself in that same top-five discussion, also expressed admiration for Saints-Era Jimmy Graham and Eagles fixture Zach Ertz, citing both as strong influences.
In addition to establishing his tight-end hierarchy, Kittle used Friday’s forum to address what he perceives as unfair criticism directed at teammate Jimmy Garoppolo, considered by some to be the weak link in an otherwise prolific Niners offense. “It is what it is,” said Kittle, who famously donned a Jimmy G T-shirt during last year’s postseason. “Jimmy has proven himself week in and week out. First season as starting quarterback went to the Super Bowl. No. 1 in third-down conversion rate, not bad.”
Kittle also spilled on his pizza preferences (supreme got his vote), his quarantine snack of choice (Eggo waffles topped with blueberry jam), what music he blasts before games (Post Malone or bust) and what went wrong during San Francisco Super Bowl loss to Kansas City. “You got to take advantage of your opportunities and we just didn’t do that,” mused the two-time Pro Bowler. “Our offense didn’t close it out. Our defense didn’t either.”
When asked to share his thoughts on last month’s DeAndre Hopkins’ trade, Kittle tried his best to be diplomatic, though ultimately he couldn’t get on board with it. “I knew him as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. I wouldn't trade the best players. That's just my opinion, but I'm not a GM, I just play the game.”
One subject not tackled during the AMA was Kittle’s uncertain contract status. The 26-year-old is due for an extension heading into the final year of his rookie deal, though it’s unclear where the sides stand in their negotiations, or if that possibility has even been broached yet. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported in February that Kittle is seeking at least $13 million annually, a figure that would make him the sport’s highest-paid tight end. After garnering ProFootballFocus’ top receiving and No. 2 run-blocking grade among tight ends in 2019, Kittle is certainly deserving of that distinction.
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