Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 10 most memorable plays of the decade

By Timmy Gibson

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 14: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass from the pocket in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park on January 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 14: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass from the pocket in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park on January 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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George Kittle, 49ers
George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 9: George Kittle Sets the Single-Season Record for Tight Ends

There were few bright spots in the 49ers’ rough 2018 season. One of them comes in ninth in this ranking.

That is tight end George Kittle breaking the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season.

Kittle cemented himself as one of the NFL’s few elite tight ends with his 2018 campaign. He was unstoppable, often seemingly willing the 49ers to success on his own. Kittle refused to set the record the easy way, either. Before this play, he needed two more yards to set the record. But in classic Kittle fashion, he refused to take the easy route. Instead he took the ball for a 43-yard touchdown.

Did I mention Kittle also led the NFL in yards after the catch last season?

Kittle and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs battled for this record last season, taking it away from former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who set it back in 2012.. Kelce had actually set it earlier in the day, only to have Kittle break it a few hours later.

Now that Kittle is seen as one of the NFL’s elites at his position, his 2018 season is looked back on as his coming-of-age moment, and the cherry on top of that season was him breaking this record.