The San Francisco 49ers won the Wild-card weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they lost the most important piece from the postseason roster. George Kittle, their star tight end, suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Eagles matchup, which will keep him off the field for the rest of the playoffs and also the 2026 NFL season.
But while the 32-year-old suffered an injury, his wife, Claire Kittle, sent a strong and emotional message to Kittle.
Claire Kittle Sends Strong Message To the 49ers’ George Kittle After TE’s Emotional Note
The star tight end of the 49ers penned an emotional note on social media after the Achilles injury.
On Jan. 12, Kittle wrote on his Instagram, “Football sucks sometimes.” Kittle wrote. “But I love it. 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.”
And reacting to that, just a few hours after his painful admission, his wife sent a strong message to him. “My real life superhero,” she wrote in her Instagram story.
When Will the 49ers’ Kittle Come Back? Will He Miss the 2026 Regular Season?
The torn Achilles generally takes nine to 12 months to recover. If that’s the case, the 49ers would miss Kittle in this year’s postseason and also for a few months in the 2026 NFL season.
The former Iowa standout suffered a torn Achilles in the 49ers’ 23–19 victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles. The injury happened midway through the second quarter, shortly after Kittle hauled in a short pass from Brock Purdy near the right sideline.
As he turned upfield, Kittle attempted to plant and drive off his right leg with Eagles safety Marcus Epps closing in. That’s when his lower leg visibly gave way, signaling something was seriously wrong.
Kittle immediately went to the turf, clutching his right leg as play stopped. San Francisco’s medical staff rushed out to evaluate him before placing him on a cart. He was then taken straight to the locker room, with the severity of the injury apparent from the moment it occurred.
George Kittle Shared a Positive Message with Fullback Kyle Juszczyk
The 49ers’ fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, shared what Kittle told him when he met the injured 49ers star.
“Losing George is different,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk told reporters in the locker room after defeating the Eagles. “That’s the heart and soul of our team. He brings so much energy, and just an incredible player that he is. That definitely hurts a lot. But even when he was down, he was still positive. I came in at halftime, and he was smiling, and he said, ‘I’m not dead yet, man. I’ll be back. Go win it.’ That meant a lot.”
His wife, Kristin Juszczyk, also penned her feelings for Kittle. Sharing the tight end’s message, she wrote, “There’s nothing worse than seeing people you love in pain. @gkittle, you have such a special heart and mindset like no other. Your positivity is so contagious & I know how much Kyle and all your teammates look up to you ❤️.”
Meanwhile, in the absence of Kittle, San Francisco’s next challenge comes against the Seattle Seahawks. The matchup will take place on Saturday at Lumen Field, where the Seahawks will welcome the 49ers for an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.