George Kittle was ready to accept his only scholarship offer, from Weber State, when late openings at Iowa gave the Hawkeyes a chance to recruit him. A family connection helped: Kittle’s father, Bruce, had played for Iowa and coached under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa’s 2012 offer brought Kittle to his dream school, where he developed into an NFL star and has remained closely connected to the program.

By the Numbers
  • Kittle caught 42 passes for 604 yards and 10 touchdowns in his junior and senior seasons at Iowa.
  • The 49ers selected him in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
  • Across 10 NFL seasons, Kittle ranks 10th among tight ends in career receptions and receiving yards.
Yes, But

Kittle’s path depended on both timing and connections: Iowa had scholarship openings after several recruits de-committed, and his father’s relationship with Ferentz helped bring him to the Hawkeyes. But Kittle still had to earn his place, developing from a perimeter receiver into a 250-pound tight end and becoming a productive blocker and pass-catcher.

Bottom Line

A last-minute opportunity changed Kittle’s trajectory—and his growth at Iowa turned that chance into a standout NFL career and a lasting bond with the school.