GEORGE KITTLE: FROM NFL STAR TO A SYMBOL OF MILITARY APPRECIATION

The San Francisco 49ers don’t just have one of the NFL’s best tight ends; they also have a man with a big heart. George Kittle was honored with the NFL Salute to Service Award on Wednesday for his ongoing efforts to honor and support the military.

What makes this special? Kittle is the first member in 49ers history to receive this award, a distinction given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the military community since the award was created in 2011.

MORE THAN A TITLE – A MISSION

In his eight-year career, Kittle has been nominated four times for the award. But what sets him apart isn’t just the recognition – it’s what he has done to support the military:
 Over $250,000 donated to military nonprofits.
 More than 400 free tickets given to military personnel and frontline workers to attend 49ers games.
 Building personal connections with military families: Every year, Kittle invites the family of Sergeant Martin LaMar to the 49ers’ training camp. LaMar, from Sacramento, was killed in Mosul, Iraq, in 2011. To honor him, Kittle keeps LaMar’s Purple Heart in his locker.

On top of that, Kittle and his family created an app that provides free mental health resources for veterans.

“WE LIVE THIS LIFE BECAUSE OF THEIR SACRIFICES”

When talking about why he’s so dedicated to the military community, Kittle shared:

 “I watched my Uncle Pat serve multiple tours with the National Guard, and saw firsthand how it impacted him and his family while he was overseas. We’re allowed to live the lives we live here because of the sacrifices they make, so we’re just trying to honor them, show our support, and share as much love as we can.”

At the NFL Honors in New Orleans on Thursday, Kittle will be officially recognized alongside other finalists: Aaron Jones (Vikings) and Morgan Fox (Chargers).

But perhaps, with everything he has done, George Kittle has already won in the truest sense – not just on the football field, but in the hearts of the soldiers he so deeply values.