49ers star George Kittle wowed audiences once when he shook hands with every military personnel on the field
George Kittle is known for many things; for being one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL, playing for the San Francisco 49ers, his acute athleticism, and his tough blocking. Kittle quickly rose to prominence after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and his ability to both catch passes and block at an elite level makes him a rare dual-threat.
He was also known for his philanthropic work, but one of the most standout moments in his career occurred a few years ago when he shook hands with each service member as he entered the field during a game. Though it seemed unusual at first, viewers were quick to applaud his gesture as it showed his deep sense of patriotism.
When George Kittle paid respect to every military worker on the field
The NFL ground has been no stranger to political statements and several players have taken the opportunity to express their political views via certain gestures which have at times invited backlash.
George Kittle's gesture on the other hand was unanimously well-received and his fans applauded him widely for his gesture.
Interestingly, the military used to be a big draw at major sporting events in the US. Up until a few years ago, military personnel would be present at games. Many people may not know his In the past, the Department of Defense paid millions to NFL teams for patriotic displays, such as on-field enlistment ceremonies and military salutes.
This was deemed slightly controversial as it was deemed to be "paid patriotism" and led to investigations in the mid-2010s.
Since then, the NFL and military have reduced promotional partnerships to maintain transparency and avoid the appearance of exploiting patriotism for marketing.
However, military appreciation still exists—many teams host 'Salute to Service' games, honor veterans during halftime, or invite active-duty members to attend as guests. The difference is that these gestures are now more symbolic, subtle, and focused on genuine tribute rather than scripted promotions or recruitment-driven appearances.
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