When you think of George Kittle, you think of power, grit, and a whole lot of personality wrapped up in one of the NFL's most dynamic tight ends. At 6'4", he’s built like a prototype-right in line with the average for his position, and slightly above the NFL’s overall height curve.
But even a guy like Kittle can feel small in the presence of greatness from another sport. Just ask him about the first time he met Stephen Curry.
Kittle recently shared a story that offers a fun peek behind the curtain of athlete-to-athlete interactions. It happened at a San Francisco Giants game, where the 49ers star crossed paths with the Warriors’ iconic point guard.
And while Curry is listed at 6'2"-not exactly short by everyday standards-his stature in the NBA, where seven-footers roam freely, often makes him appear undersized. That illusion had an unexpected effect on Kittle.
“The first time I ever met Steph was actually at a San Francisco Giants baseball game,” Kittle recalled. “It really messed with my mental state.
When I met him in Perth for the first time, I was like, ah, shoot. I'm not that big.
I'm just not.”
It’s a moment of humility from one of the NFL’s most physically imposing players, and it speaks to the way perception shifts depending on the arena. In the NFL, Curry’s height would be considered above average.
On an NBA court, he’s often the smallest guy on the floor. But to Kittle, that contrast was jarring enough to throw him off balance-at least for a moment.
Kittle didn’t stop there. He also shared a courtside memory of watching LeBron James in action, and the awe in his voice was unmistakable.
“One time I got to sit courtside and watch LeBron do a full-court spin move dunk. And I was like, oh my God, just dunking it.
Good for you, man. That’s not me.
We play different games. I would hit him in the knees, though.”
That’s classic Kittle-equal parts admiration and competitive fire. He knows the difference in skill sets between football and basketball, but he can’t help but imagine how he’d match up in his own way. It's that edge that makes him such a force on the field.
Unfortunately, the 49ers will be without their All-Pro tight end for a while. Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during San Francisco’s playoff run, a brutal injury that will sideline him for a significant portion of the 2026 season-if not all of it. It’s a tough blow for both Kittle and the Niners, who rely heavily on his blocking, receiving, and unmatched energy.
Kittle’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in San Francisco’s offense, both in production and personality. He’s been a cornerstone of the franchise, earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors while establishing himself as one of the best all-around tight ends in the game. Whether he’s pancaking defenders or hauling in clutch catches, Kittle brings an intensity that few can match.
But even the fiercest competitors have their moments of reflection-and sometimes, those moments come when standing next to a basketball legend who’s just a couple of inches shorter, but casts a different kind of shadow.