George Kittle is preparing for his first NFL season without Deebo Samuel, who recently joined the Washington Commanders. Kittle expressed optimism about Samuel’s new opportunity and reflected on the positive connections he shares with individuals on the Washington roster, including Trent Williams and general manager Adam Peters.
George Kittle Welcomes Deebo Samuel’s New Chapter with the Commanders
After years of playing alongside Deebo Samuel in San Francisco, George Kittle acknowledged the receiver’s fresh start with Washington. Kittle is supportive and understanding of Samuel’s decision to move on.
I’m happy for him that he went to Washington,
Kittle said, via 49ersWebZone.
Guys need a fresh start sometimes, and he wanted a fresh start, and so, I’m very happy for him. I’m sad that I don’t have him on my team anymore because I just loved having him around the locker room and stuff like that. But I’m happy for him.
This season marks a new phase for Kittle, as the dynamic between him and his former teammate evolves with Samuel now pursuing success elsewhere.
Connections to Washington and Praise for Leadership
Kittle highlighted his appreciation for Washington’s general manager, Adam Peters, who previously worked with the 49ers. He believes the Commanders are well-positioned under Peters’ leadership.
I’m happy he went to Washington because Adam Peters is there, our old assistant GM, and he’s the man,
Kittle remarked.
And then, also, they’re pretty good at football, too.
These comments reflect Kittle’s respect for the organizational relationships and confidence in the Commanders’ football operations heading into the season.
Trent Williams Receives High Praise from Kittle
Among current teammates, George Kittle singled out Trent Williams as the most gifted player he has ever had the chance to play alongside. Williams, known for his excellence on the offensive line, clearly leaves a strong impression on Kittle.
No, Trent Williams, I think, is probably the most talented player I’ve ever played with,
Kittle said without hesitation.
Williams’ skill set provides a foundation for the team‘s offensive success, one that Kittle acknowledges with respect and admiration ahead of the new season.
Expectations for Rising Stars in the NFL
Outside of Kittle’s immediate story, the NFL community anticipates significant progress from other young talents this season. Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline shared his confidence in Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s sophomore campaign, noting expected growth and maturity on the field.
Marv’s just got to keep being Marv,
Hartline told Eric Williams of Fox Sports.
Whatever the success, or lack thereof, that people think he had, it probably was not because of Marv’s process or how he operates. I’m sure there were some other variables involved that he can’t control. Marv’s got to be Marv. He will do that. I’m excited to see what he does in Year 2. Most guys make that jump in Year 2, and I know without a doubt Marv will.
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s rookie numbers closely mirrored those of his Hall of Fame father, with 62 catches, 885 yards, and eight touchdowns. Harrison Sr. achieved 64 catches, 836 yards, and eight touchdowns during his rookie year with the Colts in 1996.
Veteran Insight on Marvin Harrison’s Development
Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald has taken note of Harrison Jr.’s physical progress and overall performance, predicting that his second season will bring even greater ease throughout the game.
He’s a tremendous young player,
Fitzgerald acknowledged.
He had a really nice rookie season. He made a lot of plays. And it looks like he’s gotten a lot stronger physically. So, to be able to get off press [coverage] and be able to have the physicality in the running game and the things he needs to do, it’s going to be a huge benefit to him. I also think in Year 2 the game just naturally slows down. You know the system better. You know the flow of the season and the schedule. There’s not as many mysteries going in. You’ve done it already. You’ve played. … You know the hand signals. You know the adjustments. You know two-minute and the situational football. All of those things get significantly easier for you going into Year 2. It definitely did for me.
Harrison Jr. himself recognizes the physical demands of professional football and is focused on continued growth.
Football is a physical game,
Harrison said.
You have a lot of contested-catch situations, run after catch and things like that. We’ll see how things play out. Just going out there and competing, completing passes, and getting our timing down on routes that we maybe worked on last year, or that are new this year. So, just us being able to go out there and kind of just being able to do things with our eyes closed, so that it happens naturally.
Seattle Seahawks Coach Commends Coby Bryant’s Impact
Meanwhile, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised defensive back Coby Bryant for his growth and dedication after joining the team midseason. Bryant’s work ethic and attention to detail stood out despite not being a starter initially.
Man,
Macdonald reflected, via Brady Henderson of ESPN.
How can I compliment Coby the best?…. What stuck out to me was just his intentionality, and he cared about the minor details all the time even though his role wasn’t a starter [from the] get-go. So he has that chip on his shoulder naturally because he’s just a great competitor, but those are the type of guys we want. … When he finally got his opportunity, he knocked it out of the park, and he’s earned himself a great role on our football team.
The coach also expressed confidence in Bryant’s current form, noting his consistent presence and ability to read offensive plays effectively.
He’s in a great position,
Macdonald said.
I know he’s playing really confident right now, and you feel him out there. So we’re excited for Coby. I’m not surprised…Again, this guy just keeps playing at a high level. … He just sees how plays progress. He just seems like he’s in the right spot all the time on these overthrows and patrolling the deep area of the field.
Looking Ahead: New Season Brings Change and Opportunity
As the NFL season begins, George Kittle’s fresh start without former teammate Deebo Samuel symbolizes the shifting landscape around the league. Kittle’s praise for figures like Trent Williams and Adam Peters acknowledges the strong foundations that remain while Samuel forges his path in Washington.
Meanwhile, ascending players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Coby Bryant are poised to make significant strides in their careers, eyeing improvements that could redefine their teams’ futures. The evolving narratives underscore the dedication and growth fueling the league’s competitive spirit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is George Kittle a WWE fan?
A. Kittle, a huge fan of professional wrestling for many years, has appeared at WWE events. He joined WrestleMania 39 as a guest, helping ESPN’s Pat McAfee in a match against The Miz.