NFL Fans Roast George Kittle for Lack of Focus During 49ers' Fumble in Super Bowl

The San Francisco tight end’s unmatched enthusiasm on the football field might have come back to bite him.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is well known for his unmatched energy and enthusiasm on the gridiron. He’s built a brand off it. Heck, he’s built a university (for tight ends) off it.

But for one fleeting moment in the 49ers’ 25–22 loss in Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, his chatter on the field might have cost San Francisco an offensive possession.

The 49ers were cruising on their opening drive until star running back Christian McCaffrey coughed up the football. Kittle was in the area after finishing off a block of Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis.

“Hey George,” Kittle exclaimed.

But as Kittle was greeting his opponent, Karlaftis noticed the football was loose on the ground. He sprang into action and beat the 49ers tight end to the ball.

The exchange was picked up by microphones on the latest NFL Turning Point show.

Our George was more curious. pic.twitter.com/2oIvJDzBLT

— 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) February 15, 2024

Of course, the 49ers did not lose the game in that moment. The Chiefs went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and didn’t score until the final minute of the first half.

But few things age well after a Super Bowl loss, and this moment from Kittle is not one of them.

NFL fans had a few things to say:

One dude has his mind on ball. Other dude wanted to talk. No wonder KC won that game they were more prepared in every way

— Dallas John Bell (@dallasjohnbell) February 15, 2024

Kittle was trying to be funny and missed the ball on the ground 😭😭😭

— Ryan Andrade (@Ku_Bball_Fan) February 15, 2024

One guy came to play football the other was worried about being a comedian.

— Jeremiah Edwards (@Jedwards_radio) February 15, 2024

Kittle always trying to be funny or clever, bit him in the butt this time

— KCfaninRockwall (@KCBoricua71) February 15, 2024

George Kittle was being a goof ball and trying to talk to Karlaftis when the play was still alive and the ball was loose behind him.

Absolutely unacceptable.

This is a terrible look for a team that fans were assured 2 weeks ago “it wouldn’t happen again” in terms of lack of… https://t.co/4OwyqS6zFL

— Tony Farmer (@Tonysmarkettips) February 15, 2024

“Hey George” as the ball is being recovered at his feet lmao https://t.co/LQWOXYPqDA

— coop (@LocalLegendCoop) February 15, 2024

One side was insanely focused, the other was just happy to be there having a good ole time https://t.co/MlO2njrnhA

— Andrew (@AndrewRSpru) February 15, 2024