Rookie traditions remain a vital part of NFL locker rooms, fostering camaraderie through rituals that often combine humor and humility. George Kittle, star tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, shed light on a unique team custom during the offseason training activities (OTAs), where new players take turns telling jokes and introducing themselves. This George Kittle 49ers rookie tradition highlights both the lighthearted atmosphere and the evolving landscape rookies face today.

Rookies Deliver Jokes and Introductions to Break the Ice

During the 49ers’ offseason gatherings, every rookie is required to step up during offensive installs and tell a joke before providing a brief introduction with their name and college background. Kittle described the scene on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, emphasizing the consistency of this practice among rookies.

Every offensive install that we do during OTAs, a rookie has to get up and tell a joke,

Kittle explained.

Everybody did it, except for one of our running backs… but his [rookie] teammate stepped up and told a good one.

This annual ritual not only breaks the ice but helps rookies integrate into the team culture while allowing veterans to see their newcomers’ personalities beyond the field.

Rookies’ NIL Earnings Surprise Veterans

This year, the 49ers added a new twist to the tradition by having rookies disclose how much they earned through their name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals during college. This financial transparency caught Kittle and other veterans off guard, reflecting a shift in the financial status of college athletes entering the NFL.

One of the kids was like, ‘Yeah, I made…’ he was undrafted… ‘I made $30,000 signing bonus.’ Like woo, good for you man. And then he goes, ‘I made $700,000 in NIL,’

Kittle recalled with visible disbelief.

I was like — why did you declare for the draft?! Play another year, man. Are you kidding me?

he added.

Kittle did not specify which player made this claim, but the anecdote underscores the financial evolution for college athletes. It has become increasingly common for even undrafted rookies to arrive at NFL facilities having earned substantial income, sometimes surpassing early-career NFL salaries from traditional contracts.

Record-Breaking NIL Deals Redefining Rookie Expectations

Adding to the significance, Kittle mentioned that at least one member of the current rookie class has passed the $1 million mark in NIL earnings, a milestone that previously only first-round draft picks or established Pro Bowl players typically achieve. This change illustrates how the influx of NIL money is transforming the financial backdrop for incoming NFL players, shifting expectations both on and off the field.

Isaiah Hodgins Shines with Unforgettable Humor

Despite the financial revelations, Kittle pointed out that the real highlight of the rookie introductions was the humor that kept the room engaged. Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, a recent signee with the 49ers who previously spent time with the Bills and Giants, particularly impressed with his storytelling and comedic timing. Though Hodgins is still competing for a roster spot, he has already made a memorable impact within the locker room.

This Isaiah kid had a fantastic joke. It was phenomenal — not appropriate to share on the bus, but very funny,

Kittle laughed.

It was like a story, and I had no idea where it was going… the punchline at the end — the entire room was crying. I was really impressed.

Rookie Traditions Uphold Team Bonding Despite Changing Times

The 49ers’ rookie tradition reveals how NFL teams maintain time-honored rituals that strengthen bonds among teammates, even as the dynamics around incoming players evolve rapidly due to NIL opportunities. While young athletes now bring substantial financial resources with them, they still engage in classic locker room rites—often guided by humor—to solidify their place within the team.

As the next season approaches, these traditions will likely continue playing a key role in bridging generational gaps between rookies and veterans, fostering unity in a sport that constantly adapts to change.