San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently signed a record-setting four-year contract extension with the team in April, making him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. Despite locking in through 2029 with a $76.4 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed, Kittle is already thinking ahead about when his playing career might come to an end. In a candid conversation on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, Kittle outlined the personal benchmarks he will use to decide when to retire, blending his passion for football with realistic views on longevity.

He said,

“Oh, literally until I’m not having fun anymore. Till the wheels fall off,”

highlighting his commitment yet acknowledging he will know when it is time to step away.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

Kittle also opened up about how his wife, Claire, might influence his decision, adding,

“Or if Claire looks at me one day and goes, ‘You kind of look like crap out there… you should probably retire.’ That might do it,”

conveying the weight of personal relationships on his career choices.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

Determining the Right Time to Retire from Football

While Kittle has not committed to a specific retirement timeline, he identified multiple indicators that would prompt serious reflection on ending his NFL career. He described a future scenario about physical wear, saying,

“Or, I don’t know… maybe if I get to, like, 35 and it starts hurting just to put on pants in the morning, I’ll probably go, ‘Okay, this isn’t fun anymore,’ and have a real talk with myself,”

while reassuring fans,

“But right now? I’m feeling great.”

This suggests that although retirement is on his mind, Kittle remains fully engaged in his current season.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

Interest in WWE Seen as a Potential Post-NFL Path

Beyond football, Kittle has openly expressed enthusiasm for professional wrestling, viewing it as a possible career after his NFL days. A dedicated fan of WWE, he has attended major events such as WrestleMania 39 and 41. With WWE’s market value recently reaching approximately $14.35 billion, this business growth intrigues Kittle, who sees opportunities for himself within the wrestling world.

However, he is cautious about jumping in without preparation. He shared,

“My only question mark with that is that I so much love being a fan of WWE… I would only do WWE if I, like, bought a ring and practiced my ass off for a while so I wouldn’t look like an idiot out there,”

illustrating his respect for the craft and his willingness to commit to proper training.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

Kittle also recalled his limited in-ring experience, explaining,

“I’ve been in a WWE ring like three times. Like, I don’t know what I’m doing out there. I have an understanding of how it works, but I haven’t performed. I haven’t moonsaulted off the top rope at WrestleMania like Pat McAfee did. Like what Logan Paul does,”

and complimenting Logan Paul’s athleticism.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

At this stage, Kittle’s focus remains firmly on his current football career and the upcoming seasons. While his future in WWE remains speculative, the potential transition highlights his broad interests beyond the sport.

Kittle’s Impact on the Tight End Market and Legacy

Having risen from a modest fifth-round draft pick in 2017 to the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, George Kittle has significantly shaped the expectations and earning potential for his position. His career has been marked by exceptional productivity through injuries and relentless effort, tallying over 7,380 receiving yards, 538 receptions, six Pro Bowl appearances, and five All-Pro selections.

Despite his individual success, Kittle encourages growth across the tight end market to benefit all players. On The Dan Patrick Show, he emphasized the importance of collective progress, saying,

“The only way for the tight end market to continue to grow is if everybody’s getting paid,”

adding,

“That’s the only way to do it. You can’t just have one guy do it and then it just sits for four years because then you’re stuck and it’s stagnant and no one’s getting paid,”

expressing a desire to see the position thrive economically across the board.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

Kittle envisions a future where younger players can break new ground, citing rising stars like Brock Bowers. He shared,

“I want guys to get paid, to keep bumping up that market so by the time that Brock Bowers is doing his contract in three years, he’s going for over $20 million, which he will. That’s just the whole point,”

advocating for continual improvement in player compensation and market recognition.—George Kittle, NFL Tight End

His leadership and encouragement toward collective advancement underscore Kittle’s influence beyond his personal achievements, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the future of the tight end position.

What Lies Ahead for George Kittle and the 49ers

With a fresh contract extension North of $76 million, George Kittle enters the 2025 NFL season with both a financial safety net and a competitive drive. His complex thoughts on retirement and future ambitions in WWE reflect a grounded athlete balancing commitment to football with realistic life planning.

As Kittle aims to continue his elite production, he remains a cornerstone of the 49ers offense, poised to contribute to the team’s success for several more seasons. His openness about when he might step away from football, tempered by his current physical condition and love for the game, provides fans with a nuanced view of an athlete confronting the inevitable crossroads of a demanding sports career.

Kittle’s perspectives on elevating the tight end market challenge others to rise alongside him, while his considered approach to future opportunities like WWE demonstrates ambition balanced with prudence. The football world and his fans will watch closely as he continues to build his legacy both on and potentially off the field.