George Kittle has never forgotten the people and places that shaped his journey. Before returning to the spotlight at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers tight end chose to make a difference away from the football field. Alongside his wife, Claire, Kittle visited young patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Their visit brought smiles to children facing difficult days and highlighted a charitable commitment that has remained close to the couple’s hearts throughout his NFL career.
I think a big part of that started with the University of Iowa and the Iowa Children’s Hospital,” said Kittle. With the 49ers enjoying their bye week, Kittle returned to his former college town ahead of Iowa’s home game. However, his first priority was not football. He and Claire spent time with children receiving treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, creating special moments through conversations, laughter and simple gestures of kindness. “Claire and I have done a bunch of community work my entire career going back to college. “Being athletes there, like we always got to do like community service stuff, go through the hospital and hang out with kids. And I think that just really stuck with us throughout my NFL career. And so the whole point of it is like our motto is we want to show up for those who show up for us.”
He previously auctioned a specially designed championship belt signed by several NFL tight ends, with the proceeds benefiting young patients. Kittle’s return to Iowa also carries a special football connection. The former Hawkeye is set to serve as the team’s honorary captain for its home game against Northwestern. He will join the team captains at midfield for the coin toss and spend time with the players in the locker room. Kittle has supported the hospital through fundraising efforts as well.