George Kittle Doesn’t Hide His Feelings About Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl Matchup
If there’s one thing you can count on in the NFC West, it’s that the rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers is alive and well-and George Kittle is doing his part to keep the fire burning.
The All-Pro tight end has never been shy about speaking his mind, and his recent comments ahead of the Super Bowl only added fuel to the fire. Kittle, who’s rehabbing from a torn Achilles suffered in the Wild Card Round, was asked if he planned to watch the big game.
His response? Classic Kittle.
“I hope both teams lose,” he said.
Now, that’s about as honest as it gets. And while it’s no surprise he’s not pulling for Seattle-division rivalries run deep-what raised a few eyebrows was the stray shot at New England.
The Patriots haven’t exactly been a thorn in the 49ers' side lately, but Kittle lumped them in all the same. Maybe it’s just a case of not wanting to see anyone else hoist the Lombardi Trophy, or maybe there’s more to it.
Either way, message received.
Kittle also joked that he might be too busy playing video games to tune in, and honestly, who can blame him? The guy grinds through a brutal season, and after a tough playoff exit, it’s understandable if he’d rather unplug than watch two other teams fight for the crown.
But behind the casual quip and competitive fire, there’s a deeper undercurrent here-one that speaks to how the Seahawks have gotten under San Francisco’s skin lately.
Seattle didn’t just beat the 49ers in Week 18-they took the NFC’s top seed right out from under them in Santa Clara. That win wasn’t just a statement; it was a power shift.
After the game, Seahawks players lit cigars in the visitors’ locker room at Levi’s Stadium. That kind of celebration doesn’t go unnoticed-especially not by a veteran like Kittle.
To his credit, Kittle acknowledged the moment, saying he understood the gesture. And you get the sense that while he might not like it, he respects it.
That’s the thing about rivalries: they’re built on mutual disdain, but also mutual recognition. You don’t hate a team that doesn’t matter.
And right now, the Seahawks matter-a lot.
Part of that has to do with what Seattle’s new head coach, Mike Macdonald, has brought to the table. Known for his defensive brilliance, Macdonald had Kyle Shanahan’s number in 2025.
That’s no small feat. Shanahan’s offense has carved up just about every defense in the league, but not Seattle’s.
No matter who was on the field for the Niners, Macdonald’s unit shut them down.
That dominance has clearly left an impression. And now, with the Super Bowl being played at Levi’s Stadium-home turf for the 49ers-Seattle has a shot to celebrate again in Santa Clara. If the Seahawks win it all, they’ll be popping cigars in that same visitors’ locker room, only this time with a Lombardi Trophy in hand.
Kittle might not be watching, but he’ll definitely hear about it.
And you better believe the rivalry will be waiting for him when he’s back on the field.