Tight end George Kittle is sharing an emotional message after sustaining a torn Achilles tendon that cut his season short. It was the first playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Kittle couldn’t last through it. He exited before the first half, and now he couldn’t help but admit how brutal football can be. Yet, his message is still rooted in love and hope for the San Francisco 49ers.

On Monday, George Kittle took to Instagram to share a personal update after suffering a season-ending injury. The carousel post featured touching moments, including a photo of his wife, Claire Kittle, planting a kiss on his head. Meanwhile, there’s another one from the field showing head coach Kyle Shanahan hugging him. He also shared a comic strip, suggesting that there’s only so much you can do sometimes.

Alongside the images, Kittle admits, “Football s–ks sometimes. 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.” 

Kittle tore his Achilles tendon in the second quarter while catching a short six-yard pass on the right sideline. As he tried to turn upfield, his right leg gave out as Eagles linebacker Zack Baun closed in to tackle him. He stayed down on the turf as the medical staff rushed to his side. Later, he was carted off to the locker room, with San Francisco ruling him out shortly after that. 

After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the medical team quickly diagnosed a torn Achilles after examining him on the ground. With the 49ers already short on key defensive ends, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, Kittle’s loss is another major blow. He had been one of the team’s most reliable players, piling up  628 yards, 57 catches, and seven touchdowns in eleven games. As the player grapples with his health scare, his teammates are pouring out love and prayers for his recovery.

The 49ers stand by George Kittle as he recovers from a torn ACL

Kittle is undoubtedly the cornerstone of Brock Purdy’s offense. But his bond with teammates runs deeper than just making connections on the field. During his downtime, many from the locker room have kept the tight end in their thoughts. They left many heartfelt messages on his latest Instagram post. 

“All Love Family We Need That Energy Brothers Keeper ❤️💯,” wide receiver Demarcus Robinson wrote while Eddy Pineiro commented, “Love you bro 🙌”

Additionally, quarterback Mac Jones and running back Christian McCaffrey dropped heart emojis while Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce showed support by liking the post. Wideout Ricky Persall also chimed in with, “Love you brother,” and the 49ers’ official account wrote, “IGYB [I got your back].”

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Even before Kittle posted, McCaffrey took a moment to share what the player means to the team. 

“This team has carried the character of George Kittle throughout the entire year,” he said. “He’s the heart and soul of this team. That’s a tough loss. When he’s not playing, it means a lot. … When you lose a leader like that, you never really lose him because his presence is still in this locker room. His energy is still here.”

Now, San Francisco has advanced to the NFC Divisional Round and will face the Seattle Seahawks. Their brutal defense could be a major challenge that will definitely make Kittle’s absence felt on the field.