George Kittle has opened up after a torn Achilles ended his season early.
The San Francisco 49ers tight end suffered the season-ending lower-leg injury in the second quarter of the Niners’ Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The injury occurred as he braced for a tackle after catching a short pass. Kittle waved to his teammates and fans as he was carted off the field (video here).
On Monday, Kittle took to Instagram to share a bittersweet message to the 49ers faithful.
“Football sucks sometimes. But I love it,” Kittle’s caption read.
“I love these guys and this team. Heartbroken but have felt so much love and support from everyone reaching out. I’ll be good. Thank you. We aren’t done yet! Also when your team owner is the first person to meet you in the locker room, you know you’re in a special place. 🥃 cheers, all my love.”
The 49ers held on for a 23-19 win without Kittle, staving off an Eagles touchdown drive in the final minute that would have flipped the game.
With Kittle reduced to watching the victory from the sidelines, he made a very on-brand request to 49ers owner Jed York as his team celebrated. For that first night, the All-Pro tight end just wanted to drown his sorrows in alcohol.
The 49ers will have to soldier on without Kittle as they take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.
