Teammates for Life
This past week, Netflix released a docuseries called “Receiver,” detailing the lives of multiple NFL receivers. One in particular is George Kittle, a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. While fans learned more about George’s positive spirit, outlook, and motivation, we also learned more about his relationship with his wife, Claire. The two have always been adorable, but this documentary certainly skyrocketed them to football royalty.
George and Claire’s story began in 2012 when they were freshmen at the University of Iowa. George was on the football team then, and Claire played forward for the university’s Women’s Basketball team. One night, George spotted Claire in a parking lot outside his dorm and immediately knew he wanted to get to know her. The two started dating shortly after and continued to for the rest of college.
In 2016, the pair graduated. A short year later, George was drafted to the San Fransico 49ers as the 146th pick. Since his draft, George has remained a vital part of the team, both on and off the field, cheering on and supporting his teammates through the ups and downs. Claire also quickly became part of the 49ers fanbase. She takes fans with her to game days and special events on her social media.
After completing his rookie season, George realized he wanted to make his relationship with Claire permanent. George arranged a surprise with the help of his mom, Jan, and the 49ers staff. He told Claire that the 49ers were filming a segment on couples in the NFL and that a camera crew would follow them. When Claire became suspicious, Jan reassured her that George would not propose that day. On August 10, 2018, George executed his surprise, and Claire enthusiastically said yes!
George and Claire continued to march to the beat of their drum and eloped in 2019. The ceremony was held at a jewelry shop in Iowa, where George bought a promise ring for Claire before the 2017 draft. The elopement was a day full of love and the closest family members. Bruce Kittle was even the one to marry the pair! The pair decided to throw a second wedding with their more extensive group of family and friends in 2021. They “brought Italy home” after their original plan was canceled due to COVID. The ceremony and reception took place in the backyard of their Nashville home on the second anniversary of their elopement.
The Kittles always support each other. Claire attends almost every game, whether at home or away, during the season. With her sense of fashion, love for the game, and love for George, she is the ultimate cheerleader for the 49ers. Their passion and support for each other extend beyond the field and are most evident during difficult times. In 2023, Claire experienced an ectopic pregnancy after discovering a positive pregnancy test on Christmas morning. Claire shared, “We leaned on each other like we have never before.”
Most recently, Claire was there for George after the 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 Superbowl. The moment was captured on “Receiver” but can viewed here (warning: explicit language). When one loses, they both feel the pain; when one wins, they bask in happiness together. Their bond is indeed stronger than any trial life throws at them.
The Kittles are always together, showing that their partnership will go down in history. A tradition that the pair started in 2023 is called KittleFest, a huge party thrown at their Nashville home. It is usually hosted in the summer and has performances from stars like Jelly Roll. The two also love to visit Iowa whenever they can. This past year, the two were spotted cheering on Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes (where George was wearing Claire’s old number, of course!).
Whether it’s wearing each other on their clothes (adorable), hosting the event of the year, cheesing hard in photo ops, hyping each other up on Instagram, or posting behind-the-scenes of their life together, the Kittles are a couple to support. We cannot wait to see what's coming for the Bay Area's King and Queen!