The San Francisco 49ers are in an unenviable position this Super Bowl Sunday - not just watching from the outside, but doing so while their biggest divisional rival, the Seattle Seahawks, has a shot at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in their stadium.
Yeah, that stings.
With the Seahawks set to face off against the New England Patriots, most of the football world will be dialed in for the NFL’s biggest stage. But don’t count George Kittle among them - at least not enthusiastically.
The All-Pro tight end was asked if he’d be tuning in, and his response was classic Kittle: part honesty, part humor, and all personality.
“I hope both teams lose,” he said with a grin, before adding that he might just be playing video games instead of watching.
Now, obviously, both teams can’t lose - someone’s coming out of this with a ring. But Kittle’s sentiment is one a lot of current players can probably relate to. When you’ve poured everything into a season and come up short, watching another team - especially a rival - play for the title can be a tough pill to swallow.
And it’s not just Kittle. Around the league, it’s not uncommon for players to skip the Super Bowl entirely if they’re not in it.
Some watch out of love for the game. Others?
They’d rather be anywhere else. The emotions are still raw, the competitive fire still burning.
For many, it’s just too soon.
For the 49ers, though, this one cuts deeper. It’s not just that they’re not in the Super Bowl - it’s that the Seahawks are.
And not only that, but Seattle has a chance to win it all at Levi’s Stadium. That’s a scenario no Niners fan - or player - wants to see play out.
So while the rest of the football world gears up for the season’s final showdown, don’t be surprised if a few 49ers are keeping their distance. The rivalry runs deep, and the thought of the Seahawks celebrating a championship on their home turf? That’s the kind of thing that fuels an offseason.
Count on Kittle - and the rest of the Niners - to remember this one.