From childhood WWE superfan to WrestleMania standout, 49ers tight end George Kittle is living every wrestling fan’s dream—with no signs of slowing down.
George Kittle isn’t just a beast on the football field—he’s a lifelong wrestling fanatic with a passion that runs as deep as a WrestleMania main event. From growing up idolizing WWE legends to jumping in the ring at WrestleMania 39, Kittle has blurred the line between gridiron hero and sports entertainment showman.
Long before he was throwing blocks for the 49ers, he was throwing imaginary elbows off the couch in his living room. Like millions of ‘90s kids, he grew up watching Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and The Undertaker.
In countless interviews, Kittle has expressed his love with wrestling asa kid and never outgrew it.
Within the 49ers locker room, Kittle is THE wrestling guy. With his pure energy, he is a walking wrestling promo. His aura Stone Cold Steve meets The People’s Champion—with a little Ric Flair “WOOOO” thrown in.
George Kittle has been known to bring fellow teammates out to every WWE event he has gotten a chance to attend. His reciprocation of the love has been infectious. Kittle has even worn a Lucha Libre mask during press conferences and frequently name-drops wrestling stars on Social Media when possible. The guy doesn’t hide it—he celebrates it.
In April 2023, George Kittle got his big moment at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles. Sitting ringside during Pat McAfee’s impromptu match against The Miz, Kittle got involved in the action. After a quick staredown, he jumped the barricade (with WWE’s blessing), leveled The Miz with a clean clothesline, and helped McAfee score the win.
The crowd erupted. WWE legends praised it. Kittle’s form? Spot on.
No suplexes were thrown, but Kittle made a big-time impact—and added his name to the short list of NFL stars who’ve gotten physical at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas: KittleMania Is Coming
George Kittle won’t be in the ring at WrestleMania 41, but he’ll be making his presence felt in Las Vegas during the weekend.
Kittle is hosting a fan event called “KittleMania” at Caesars Palace—an interactive wrestling-themed celebration for fans of both WWE and football. While details are still under wraps, the event is expected to include appearances, giveaways, games, and, of course, lots of wrestling flair.
“I won’t be jumping in the ring this year,” Kittle told local media, “but you better believe I’ll be around for the fun. Vegas is about to get loud.”
In November 2022, ahead of a Monday Night Football game in Mexico City, Penta gifted Kittle a custom 49ers-themed lucha mask. Kittle proudly wore it into Estadio Azteca, embracing the lucha libre culture and showcasing their friendship.
Their collaboration didn’t stop there. In October 2023, Kittle and Penta teamed up with lifestyle brand Chubbies to launch a wrestling-inspired clothing line, blending Kittle’s football fame with Penta’s lucha libre flair.
Kittle’s love for wrestling has extended beyond WWE as he’s formed even a friendship with WWE star Penta El Zero Miedo, known for his “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear) mantra. Their bond began in 2018 when Kittle attended WrestleMania 34 and was captivated by Penta’s performances at WrestleCon events. The two connected backstage, sharing mutual respect for each other’s crafts, with Penta referring to Kittle as his ‘brother’.
Will Kittle join the WWE after his NFL career?
It’s a question Kittle gets asked often—and he’s not ruling it out.
“Triple H has my number,” he joked in 2024 when asked about a future in pro wrestling.
Kittle’s combination of charisma, physicality, and passion makes him an ideal fit for WWE if he ever decides to pursue it post-NFL. He’s already one of the NFL’s most marketable stars. In WWE? He’d be a natural.
George Kittle’s wrestling journey is one of pure love—for the showmanship, the storytelling, and the spectacle. From childhood superfan to WrestleMania moment-maker, he’s living the dream most wrestling fans only imagine.
Whether he’s hauling in touchdowns at Levi’s Stadium or hyping a crowd for WrestleMania in Las Vegas, one thing’s clear: Kittle was built for big moments—and wrestling is in his blood.