George Kittle Gives Browns Rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. a Big-Time Nod - And It’s Well Deserved
Harold Fannin Jr. isn’t just turning heads in Cleveland - he’s catching the attention of one of the best to ever do it at his position. When George Kittle, a perennial All-Pro and one of the founding fathers of Tight End University, says he’s a fan of your game, that’s not just flattery. That’s a signal to the league: this rookie is for real.
Kittle’s been the gold standard for tight ends for nearly a decade in San Francisco. He’s a tone-setter - the rare blend of violent blocker and explosive pass-catcher that every team dreams of at the Y position.
So when he goes out of his way to praise a young tight end, it means something. And in a recent interview on The Schultz Report, Kittle didn’t just mention Fannin - he lit up talking about him.
“I’m a huge fan of [Fannin]. I like him.
He does the receiving stuff really well, and also, if you watch his run game - like it’s effort - and if he can just make that a little bit better, I think he’s gonna be there. He’s gonna be able to play Y as much as he wants.
I’m a big fan of him.”
That’s high praise from a guy who’s set the bar for what it means to be a complete tight end in today’s NFL. And if you’ve watched Fannin this season, it’s easy to see why Kittle is buying stock early.
A Bright Spot in a Tough Season
Let’s be honest - it’s been a rough ride for the Browns this year. Injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities have clouded the season.
But through all that, Fannin has emerged as one of the few bright spots. The rookie has shown flashes of being a legitimate matchup nightmare, and he’s doing it in more ways than one.
Coming out of Bowling Green, Fannin was known for his pass-catching chops - smooth route runner, soft hands, and the kind of athleticism that makes linebackers sweat in space. That part of his game has translated right away.
But what’s been even more encouraging is his growth as a blocker. He’s not just a glorified slot receiver lining up at tight end - he’s putting in the work in the trenches.
That’s the part that clearly excites Kittle, and it should excite Browns fans too. Because when a tight end can stay on the field for every down - run, pass, play-action, red zone - it opens up the playbook.
It gives the offense flexibility. And it gives the quarterback a reliable weapon who won’t tip the defense off to what’s coming.
Outshining the Veteran
Fannin’s emergence has also had ripple effects on the depth chart. David Njoku, one of the longer-tenured Browns and a former first-rounder, is starting to see his role fade.
Fannin’s versatility and production are making it hard to keep him off the field. That’s not a knock on Njoku - it’s a testament to how quickly Fannin is earning trust.
In Week 13, when the Browns faced off against Kittle’s 49ers, Fannin made sure to leave a lasting impression. He led the team in targets and receiving yards, hauled in three catches, and found the end zone - all while going toe-to-toe with one of the league’s most physical defenses.
Yes, he lost a fumble, but that’s part of the rookie learning curve. The bigger takeaway?
He didn’t shrink under the spotlight.
The Road Ahead
Fannin still has work to do - Kittle made that clear. The blocking effort is there, but refinement will come with reps and coaching.
The good news? He’s already ahead of schedule.
The Browns may not have had many wins this season, but they might have found a foundational piece in their 2025 third-round pick.
And if George Kittle is already co-signing the kid’s future? That’s about as good a projection as you’ll get.
The Browns may be looking toward next year, but Harold Fannin Jr. is giving them something real to build around - a young tight end who’s not just flashing potential, but earning respect from the best in the business.