It’s no secret that George Kittle is one of the NFL’s biggest wrestling fans. From growing up watching The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Goldberg light up the squared circle, to now, appearing on WWE programming, the tight end’s obsession with WWE isn’t for show; it’s part of who he is.
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The 32-year-old first appeared to help Pat McAfee beat The Miz at WrestleMania 39. And more recently, Kittle and his real-life friend Penta celebrated together in a Monday Night Raw ring. One can also argue that Kittle is built for wrestling.
In the NFL, few players match Kittle’s blend of toughness and charisma. He plays through pain, celebrates every first down like it’s a title win, and has become one of the 49ers’ emotional leaders.
Kittle is the kind of personality who could easily hold sway in a WWE arena. So what does he think of a future in wrestling once his NFL days are behind him? Kittle didn’t hesitate for a second to answer.
“Hell yeah,” said Kittle with a grin. “If my body can handle it, I would love to give it a shot. Why would you say no to that?”
And he has got friends in high wrestling places, too. Kittle, for instance, is close with Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter who has already carved out a successful second act in WWE as both a commentator and performer. McAfee’s transition has set a new standard for athletes stepping into the squared circle. And if Kittle ever steps into the ring, he wants to emulate the heights McAfee did.
“I’ve been in a WWE ring like three times. I don’t know what I’m doing out there. I have an understanding of how it works, but I haven’t moonsaulted off the top rope at WrestleMania like Pat McAfee did,” Kittle once said on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast.
If he does take the leap, Kittle would be joining an impressive list of football players who’ve made successful transitions to the ring besides McAfee.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Played college football at Miami before becoming one of WWE’s greatest icons.
- Bill Goldberg: Former defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, he became a WCW and WWE megastar.
- Baron Corbin: Played in the NFL before becoming a multi-time WWE championship contender.
- Mojo Rawley (Dean Muhtadi): A former NFL defensive lineman who found fame in WWE’s ‘Hype Bros’.
Kittle’s showmanship already fits the WWE mold. His fiery celebrations, electric mic skills, and love for the spotlight make him a natural crossover candidate.
