He ranks among the NFL’s elite tight ends today but where did George Kittle go to college? His rise to professional stardom started with a remarkable college experience that remains unknown to many fans.
The San Francisco 49ers superstar honed his skills at the University of Iowa. He transformed from an unheralded recruit into one of the program’s most notable tight ends, and his time with the Hawkeyes molded him into the dynamic player fans celebrate today.
This piece traces George Kittle’s college years, starting from his unexpected recruitment to Iowa through his growth into a team leader. Readers will find how his college experience became the foundation for his NFL success.
Contents
- 1 Early Life and Path to Iowa
- 2 Freshman and Sophomore Seasons
- 3 Breakout Junior Year
- 4 Senior Season Leadership
- 5 Legacy at Iowa
- 6 Where Did George Kittle Go to College Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1 What does George Kittle’s wife do?
- 6.2 Where did George Kittle grow up?
- 6.3 What was George Kittle’s GPA?
- 6.4 What city does George Kittle live in?
- 6.5 Where do Claire and George Kittle live?
- 6.6 Did George Kittle lose a child?
- 6.7 Where did Travis Kelce go to college?
- 6.8 What are some fun facts about George Kittle?
- 6.9 How much does George Kittle make?
- 6.10 Did George Kittle ever play basketball?
- 6.11 Where is George Kittle’s farm?
- 6.12 Where did Kittle meet his wife?
- 6.13 Is George Kittle a Nashville Predators fan?
- 6.14 Who is the richest NFL player?
Early Life and Path to Iowa
George Kittle was born at the time of a football Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin. His father Bruce could see Camp Randall Stadium from the hospital room, which set the perfect stage for what would become a remarkable football trip.
Wisconsin roots and family background
Athletic excellence flows through Kittle’s DNA. His father Bruce earned his place as a starting left tackle and co-captain of Iowa’s 1982 Rose Bowl team. His mother Jan Krieger brought her own athletic achievements to the family, having scored more than 1,800 points in basketball at Drake University. This combination of athletic genes would become a vital part of George’s development.
High school football trip
The path to college football wasn’t straightforward for Kittle. Multiple moves shaped him into an adaptable athlete during his high school years. His education took him to:
- Iowa City West High School
- Cedar Falls High School
- Norman High School in Oklahoma
Kittle played as a 6-foot-2, 190-pound wide receiver in Norman High’s run-heavy system. He showed glimpses of his potential with 370 yards and 6 touchdowns as a senior, despite limited passing opportunities.
Last-minute Iowa recruitment story
Kittle’s path to Iowa reads like a movie script. Weber State remained his only solid offer, and his college prospects seemed limited. Everything changed on signing day morning when Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz made an unexpected call. Kittle had worn a Hawkeye shirt under his regular clothes that day, hoping for good news.
The dramatic moment came when Kittle was just hours away from committing to Weber State before Iowa’s offer arrived. This wasn’t just another offer – it was his only Division I scholarship opportunity from a Big Ten program that excelled at developing players.
This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of an incredible college trip at Iowa. There, Kittle would evolve from an undersized recruit into one of the program’s standout tight ends.
Freshman and Sophomore Seasons
George Kittle’s college debut at Iowa wasn’t the glamorous start he had imagined. He stepped into a tight end room packed with serious talent.

Original role on the team
The new kid’s welcome to the Iowa Hawkeyes came with quite a challenge. The tight end room was loaded with talented players like senior C.J. Fiedorowicz (who later became Houston Texans starter), junior Ray Hamilton, sophomore Jake Duzey, and Henry Krieger-Coble.
Kittle caught five passes for 108 yards in his freshman season. His first collegiate catch turned heads – a spectacular 47-yard reception against Missouri State. His sophomore year proved even quieter with just one catch for 25 yards against Maryland.
Learning the tight end position
The story takes an interesting turn here. Note that this 200-pound wide receiver showed up at Iowa expecting a warm welcome. The coaches had other plans. They gave him straight talk: “Hey, if you don’t learn how to run block, you can never play here”.
His transformation started right away. Kittle needed to bulk up substantially. He weighed a slim 200 pounds when he arrived on campus and had to pack on serious muscle to compete at his position.
Key developmental moments
Kittle’s father played a vital role in his growth during these early years. The Iowa video department sent scrimmage footage to Bruce Kittle, who watched film with his son over phone calls. This father-son coaching bond created the foundations for Kittle’s trademark blocking skills.
His playing time stayed limited with just one combined start in his freshman and sophomore seasons. These years shaped Kittle’s development. He saw action in 12 games each season, mostly on special teams, while he learned the ropes and prepared for bigger responsibilities.
Kirk Ferentz and the coaching staff ran a run-first offense that just needed tight ends who could block and catch. This dual-threat requirement molded Kittle into the complete tight end he would become. His early Iowa seasons weren’t about impressive statistics – they built the foundation for something much bigger.
Breakout Junior Year
The 2015 season at Iowa became George Kittle’s moment to shine! The junior tight end exploded onto the scene after two years of waiting patiently, and Hawkeye fans couldn’t stop talking about him.
Expanded role in offense
Kittle’s role in Iowa’s offense grew substantially beyond his early years as a blocker. The coaching staff recognized his potential stretched far beyond blocking duties. His unique blend of size and speed created defensive mismatches that the Hawkeyes leveraged to expand their passing game.
Notable games and plays
That breakthrough moment was incredible! Kittle scored his first collegiate touchdown on September 26, 2015. He caught a 43-yard reception from quarterback C.J. Beathard against North Texas. The excitement continued with one of his most clutch performances against Wisconsin, where he scored the decisive touchdown in a thrilling 10-6 victory.
Key Game Highlights:
- First career touchdown: 43-yard reception vs. North Texas
- Game-winning touchdown against Wisconsin
- Multiple red-zone targets throughout the season
Statistical achievements
Kittle’s junior year stats tell an amazing story! His season totals reached:
- 20 receptions for 290 yards
- 6 touchdown catches
- 14.5 yards per catch average
Those six touchdown catches placed him sixth among all pass-catchers in the Big Ten Conference! This achievement stands out even more in Iowa’s run-heavy offense. His growth showed clearly as he ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards.
The sort of thing I love about Kittle’s performance was how he excelled as a blocker while making big plays in the passing game. He proved himself as a complete tight end, which later became his signature style. The core team valued his versatility as both a reliable blocker and playmaker in their offensive scheme.
Here’s something cool: Kittle caught multiple passes in just one game during 2015, but he made every touch count! His standout performance against Minnesota showed his potential – five catches for 44 yards gave everyone a preview of his future success.
Related: Where Did Aaron Jones Go to College?
Senior Season Leadership
George Kittle transformed from an underrated recruit into something extraordinary during his final year at Iowa. He became the heart and soul of the Hawkeyes, and everyone took notice.
Role as team captain
The Hawkeyes added Kittle to the 2016 Leadership Group, recognizing his natural ability to lead. His teammates deeply respected him. His fellow Hawkeye C.J. Beathard said, “He was a really good teammate, always positive, never talked negative to guys. He’s one of those guys that lifted guys up”.
His mother Jan offered a heartfelt perspective on his leadership approach: “He always wanted everyone to succeed, and so he was always coaching in a respectful way, not to overstep boundaries with the coach”.
Performance highlights
Kittle’s senior season shone with remarkable moments despite his injuries:
- A career-best performance against North Dakota State with 5 receptions for 110 yards
- A spectacular two-touchdown game in the season finale against Nebraska
- Started 11 games while pushing through injuries
The numbers tell a compelling story – Kittle wrapped up his senior campaign with 22 receptions for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns. These stats could have climbed even higher if a midfoot sprain hadn’t sidelined him for two games and limited his performance in others.
Impact on Iowa’s offense
Kittle’s presence made a difference every time he stepped on the field, even while dealing with injuries. Pro Football Focus ranked him as college football’s best tight end before his senior season, and he proved worthy of this recognition whenever he played. His versatility stood out – he could switch from making vital blocks for touchdown runs to sprinting downfield for big catches.
The regular-season finale against Nebraska showcased his determination. Despite his injuries, Kittle suited up and caught two touchdown passes. His influence extended beyond statistics. His teammate Claire reflected, “He would be the one to make everybody feel better. He makes everybody laugh. He’s very inclusive and he likes literally everyone”. Kittle’s vibrant personality and strong work ethic set a powerful example for the entire offense.
Legacy at Iowa
George Kittle’s legacy at Iowa stands as a remarkable story. A last-minute recruit transformed into one of the most significant Hawkeyes in the program’s history.
Career statistics overview
The numbers that caught NFL scouts’ attention tell an impressive story. Kittle accumulated 48 receptions for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns during his Hawkeye career. His progression through the years shows steady growth:
Year Receptions Yards Touchdowns 2013 5 108 0 2014 1 25 0 2015 20 290 6 2016 22 314 4 Awards and recognition
Kittle’s achievements showcase his dedication both on and off the field:
- Academic All-Big Ten honors (four consecutive years)
- Honorable Mention All-America by SI.com
- Team Hustle Award (offense) in his senior year
- Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by coaches and media
Impact on Iowa’s tight end tradition
Kittle’s influence extends beyond his personal achievements. He strengthened Iowa’s position as THE premier destination for tight end development. Coach Kirk Ferentz’s program has produced 11 draft picks at the tight end position.

His legacy paved the way for more success. T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant made history two years after Kittle’s departure. They became the first tight end duo from the same school drafted in the first round.
Kittle’s approach to the game revolutionized Iowa’s tight end position. He embraced the program’s philosophy that “if you don’t learn how to run block, you’re never going to play here”. This dedication showed future players the value of buying into Iowa’s system.
Pro Football Focus recognized his talent by naming him “the best all-around tight end returning in college football” after 2015. His success inspired the next generation of Iowa tight ends, with Sam LaPorta carrying forward this tradition.
Kittle maintains strong ties to his alma mater. He visits Iowa City during bye weeks to watch games from the sidelines. His transformation from an overlooked recruit to a Hawkeye legend exemplifies Iowa’s player development success.
Where Did George Kittle Go to College Frequently Asked Questions
What does George Kittle’s wife do?
Claire Kittle, formerly Claire Till, is a former collegiate basketball player who played for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. After her basketball career, she transitioned into a career as a fitness model and social media influencer, sharing content related to travel, fashion, and fitness.She also collaborates with various brands and manages their family venture, Kittle Family Wines.
Where did George Kittle grow up?
George Kittle was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and moved to Iowa in 2000. He attended multiple high schools, including Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, and Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma. These experiences across different states contributed to his development as a football player.
What was George Kittle’s GPA?
Specific information about George Kittle’s GPA during his time at the University of Iowa is not publicly available. Academic records are private, and such details are typically not disclosed unless shared by the individual.
What city does George Kittle live in?
During the NFL offseason, George Kittle and his wife, Claire, reside in Nashville, Tennessee. This location allows them to enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere while maintaining a degree of privacy away from the football spotlight.
Where do Claire and George Kittle live?
Claire and George Kittle split their time between Nashville, Tennessee, during the offseason and the San Francisco Bay Area during the NFL season, as George plays for the San Francisco 49ers. This arrangement allows them to balance professional commitments with personal preferences.
Did George Kittle lose a child?
In February 2023, Claire Kittle revealed that she had experienced an ectopic pregnancy, which is a non-viable pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This was a significant and emotional event for both Claire and George, and they have been open about their experience to raise awareness about the condition.
Where did Travis Kelce go to college?
Travis Kelce did go to college. He studied at the University of Cincinnati. There he played college football for the Bearcats from 2008 to 2012. During his time there, he developed his skills as a tight end, which paved the way for his successful NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
What are some fun facts about George Kittle?
George Kittle is known for his vibrant personality and diverse interests. He is an avid fan of professional wrestling and often incorporates wrestling gestures into his touchdown celebrations. Additionally, he has a collection of tattoos featuring various antagonistic characters, which he uses as sources of motivation and energy on game days.
How much does George Kittle make?
In August 2020, George Kittle signed a five-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers worth $75 million, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in NFL history at that time. This contract reflects his significant contributions to the team and his status as one of the premier players at his position.
Did George Kittle ever play basketball?
While George Kittle is primarily known for his football career, his wife, Claire Kittle, played basketball at the University of Iowa. There is no public record of George playing basketball at a competitive level; his athletic focus has been on football.
Where is George Kittle’s farm?
George Kittle has often spoken about his love for Iowa, where he spent a significant part of his upbringing and college years. While there is mention of his appreciation for the farm life and rural settings, specific details about owning a farm are not publicly documented.
Where did Kittle meet his wife?
George Kittle met his wife, Claire, during their freshman year at the University of Iowa in 2012. Their relationship began as a friendship and blossomed into a romantic partnership over time. They have been together since and got married in 2019.
Is George Kittle a Nashville Predators fan?
While George Kittle resides in Nashville during the offseason, there is no specific public information indicating that he is a fan of the Nashville Predators, the city’s NHL team. His publicly known sports affiliations primarily revolve around football and professional wrestling.
Who is the richest NFL player?
As of January 2025, the richest NFL player is considered to be Tom Brady, who has amassed significant wealth through his long and successful football career, endorsements, and various business ventures. His net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally.