George Kittle’s $250,000-Plus Military Mission Includes 400 Tickets, a Veterans Podcast and Free Mental Health Resources (Getty Images)
George Kittle has donated more than $250,000 to military nonprofits and over 400 game tickets to service members and frontline heroes across six years. The 49ers tight end was named the NFL’s 2024 Salute to Service Award recipient, with the news coming in February 2025. USAA will give $25,000 in Kittle’s honor to the aid societies for each military branch. 30, 2024.
Six seasons of that routine says more than one large check would. In his award statement, Kittle said, “My appreciation for the military stems from watching my Uncle Pat serve multiple tours with the National Guard and seeing firsthand how much it impacted him and his family while he was overseas. He credits his family for making “these genuine and authentic relationships” possible. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “George Kittle truly embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award.
The award, backed by USAA, recognizes members of the NFL family who support the military community. It was Kittle’s fourth nomination by the 49ers. This time he beat two other finalists, including Vikings running back Aaron Jones. His record goes well beyond checks and tickets. The tickets are the part fans can picture. Kittle hosts military members and frontline heroes at every game. After games, win or lose, he holds a meet-and-greet with them. That detail matters. Giving away tickets is easy to do from a distance. Standing in a postgame line asks for time and energy when most players just want to go home. That app may say more than any donation total. Money supports a nonprofit’s work. A free tool on a phone reaches a veteran directly, at any hour. It also connects to Kittle’s own routine on the field, which makes it read as something personal, not a side project. The award itself carries a payout. The NFL Foundation will match that amount for a military charity Kittle picks. He received the award at a private ceremony at Levi’s Stadium after the 49ers played the Lions on Dec. Marine Col. Robert Barnhart Jr. presented it. Kittle was then recognized on stage at NFL Honors.