San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle openly expressed his enthusiasm following quarterback Brock Purdy’s recent five-year, $265 million contract extension with the team, the largest in franchise history signed in May. Purdy’s rise from being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, known as Mr. Irrelevant, to securing such a record-breaking deal highlights his tremendous impact on the 49ers.
Kittle, one of Purdy’s closest teammates and most dependable receiving options over the last three seasons, praised the organization for rewarding their homegrown talent. In an interview at Tight Ende University in Nashville, Kittle said,
“I love when home-grown guys get paid,”
and added,
“It’s one of my favorite things. We draft them, [he] played really well for us, we paid him.”
He emphasized the bonds built through shared challenges and victories on the field, stating,
“Because the best way to create memories and create relationships with guys is to go through hard struggles with them on the football field, or to win a lot of football games with them.”
Brock Purdy’s Journey from Backup to Star Quarterback
Brock Purdy’s NFL career began under unexpected circumstances in 2022 when injuries to starters Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo propelled him from backup to starter. Despite his late draft status, Purdy completed 67.1% of his passes that season, amassing 1,374 yards with 13 touchdowns against four interceptions. His leadership helped guide the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.
Entering 2023 as the team’s primary quarterback after Lance and Garoppolo’s departures, Purdy elevated his game to MVP contender status. With a completion rate of 69.4%, he threw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. His efforts were pivotal in leading San Francisco to the Super Bowl that year.
The 2024 season presented challenges as Purdy’s completion percentage dipped to 65.9%, totaling 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Meanwhile, injuries hampered the 49ers, preventing a playoff appearance. Reflecting on their shared experiences, Kittle remarked,
“We’ve won a lot of games, we’ve gone through some heartbreak together,”
and added,
“But that just builds a good bond, and we are going to continue to play with each other for a long time.”
Maintaining Consistency Amid Growing Expectations
Kittle, a fifth-round draft pick himself in 2017, understands the journey from underdog to team cornerstone and respects how Purdy is managing the pressure of his lucrative contract. He described Purdy as unchanged despite his rise, praising his relentless preparation and focus.
Describing Purdy’s routine, Kittle said,
“The same guy, probably just more, not even more, he’s just so on it all the time. Seeing the way he preps for every practice, that’s one thing I love seeing.”
He continued,
“He’s out there as early as he can be just getting his arm loose, getting his whole body, his torso loose so he can go out there and throw. It’s fun to be around him.”
Looking Ahead to a Promising 2025 Season
With training camp approaching, Kittle is optimistic about what lies ahead for the 49ers, aiming to rebound strongly after a tough season. He is eager to continue building chemistry with Purdy and to enjoy the game along the way.
Kittle shared his expectations for the next season, saying,
“My outlook for the 2025 season? Run the heck at outside zone, stay really healthy, and then have a lot of fun,”
adding,
“And if those things happen, it’ll be a fun year.”
The continued partnership between George Kittle and Brock Purdy is set to play a crucial role as the 49ers strive to reclaim their status as NFC champions and Super Bowl contenders.