George Kittle’s wife Claire celebrates emotional 49ers return with “So proud of him” message after Achilles comeback
The Sports Illustrated model wrote, “You’re a fu*kin dawg @gkittle HES BACK.” George Kittle’s long-awaited return to the San Francisco 49ers ended with a win, but his wife Claire Kittle had another reason to celebrate. After the tight end played his first regular-season game since tearing his Achilles in January, Claire shared a sweet message for him on Instagram. Claire was also at Melbourne Cricket Ground for a pregame family moment, where Kittle hugged his parents before kissing his wife. He first hugged his father, Bruce, and mother, Jan. He then walked over to Claire, and the two shared a kiss before she gave him her usual send-off push. Claire later shared the NFL video on her Instagram Story with a short message: “So proud of him. She followed that with another post celebrating the moment Kittle was back on an NFL field.
The NFL shared a video showing George Kittle meeting his family near the sideline before the 49ers faced the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne.
San Francisco fell behind 7-3 early but then scored 24 straight points to pull away from the Rams. Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and finished with 205 passing yards, and the 49ers’ defense kept Los Angeles from scoring again. Because of the long trip to Australia, nFL.com reported in August that Kittle had been pushing to be ready for Week 1, while also knowing the team could take a careful approach. Because last time I played football, I left on a cart; to be back for Week 1 means the world to my family and me, “I mean, personally, it means the absolute world.
Kittle had spent months working his way back after suffering a torn Achilles in the 49ers’ January playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Kittle also spoke about what the comeback meant to him after the game. Speaking to ESPN reporters, he pointed to how different this return felt from his last appearance. To be out there for the boys as a team. What an atmosphere.”