The 49ers have again nominated George Kittle for USAA's annual Salute to Service Award, and it's about time he wins the whole thing.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle does a lot of things.
He plays football at a high level, frequently earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition. He's set a number of milestones, both on the franchise and NFL levels. And he's often busy with off-field stuff, too, including a number of hilarious commercials and other public-facing events.
Yet Kittle is also very active in giving back, particularly to the military and the community of families.
For the previous three years, Kittle has been the Niners' nominee for the annual USAA Salute to Service Award, given to the player or coach who "make exceptional efforts to honor and support military and veteran communities."
Not surprisingly, Kittle has been nominated by San Francisco for the fourth year in a row.
George Kittle receives 49ers' nomination for 2024 USAA Salute to Service Award
There's no shortage of work Kittle has done for the military, and it's not hard to find him interacting with service members, both past and present, either at games or off the field.
From the press release, also provided to Niner Noise:
"George Kittle’s connection is personal, rooted in family with his Uncle Pat and Grandfather Carl among loved ones who’ve served. Kittle hosts military and frontline heroes at every game, donating over 400 tickets in six years. Founding Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP) in 2020, Kittle and his family amplify community stories, including those of nearly 60 veterans. Inspired by these stories, he and his family created an app offering free mental health resources to veterans, including the meditative practices he uses while playing. Kittle has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats. Kittle’s connection with service members goes beyond their introduction. After gifting the family of fallen Army soldier SGT Martin LaMar Super Bowl tickets, Kittle continues to host them at training camp and keeps SGT LaMar’s purple heart in his locker. Army veteran Chris Kleinsorge handed a uniform he wore in Afghanistan to Kittle’s wife, Claire, during an away game on behalf of all military veterans. Understanding the uniform’s importance, Kittle flew Kleinsorge and his wife to a 49ers home game. These are just two of countless stories that exemplify Kittle’s dedication to the military community. Kittle is an active participant in the team’s Salute to Service programming and goes the extra mile to create opportunities to uplift the military community."
Related story: George Kittle joins the Niner Noise Podcast to talk Brock Purdy
The only 49ers player to actually receive the leaguewide honor was former offensive lineman Ben Garland back in 2018.
Perhaps it's time for Kittle to finally take home the accolade.
He'll need your vote, though. From now through Nov. 30, fans can vote for their choice of the Salute to Service Award, and Niners fans are encouraged to vote for Kittle.
The recipient of the award will be announced at the NFL Awards show to be held the weekend before Super Bowl LIX.
For more information on USAA's Salute to Service, click here.