© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA – George Kittle hasn’t forgotten his roots. The now third-year 49ers tight end made his first Pro Bowl last season in a year which, without Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, he broke the NFL single-season receiving yards record for a tight end with 1,377 yards. That season earned him a debut on the NFL’s Top 100 list, which has been counting down over the past week.
Kittle’s debut was an understandably impressive one, as he jumped all the way to the 29th spot on the list. The list has just 10 players left to reveal, and has been a subject of pride for those who have made it, due to the fact that it was a list voted on by players. Defensive end Dee Ford has so far been the only other 49ers player to make the list, coming it at number 67.
In honor of making the list, Kittle sent a jersey to his University of Iowa tight end coach, LeVar Woods, with the following message… written on the back of Kittle’s Pro Bowl jersey:
“Coach Woods: Thank you for helping take advantage of every opportunity in my last two years of college. Without your guidance and friendship I would not be where I am today. You helped me achieve one of my dreams.
“Always remember that you have an incredibly positive voice and infectious personality. I wish we could have played together. You will always be an honorary tight end.”