George Kittle Doubles Down on Brock Purdy: 49ers Tight End Confident Quarterback Will Thrive Under Franchise Quarterback Pressure

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle has never shied away from the spotlight. Whether it’s barreling through defenders on a Sunday afternoon or delivering candid thoughts in front of a mic, Kittle’s passion for football and his team is always unmistakable. This week, his loyalty and belief were again on full display—this time directed squarely at his quarterback, Brock Purdy.

Appearing on Up & Adams, Kittle was asked about Purdy’s development, especially after an up-and-down 2024 campaign and the quarterback’s recent contract extension that cemented him as the franchise’s long-term signal-caller. Kittle didn’t hesitate.

“I think Brock is just gonna continue to elevate his game,” Kittle said. “I want to be around guys that strive to be better every single day… and Brock is definitely one of those guys.”

It was the kind of ringing endorsement that goes beyond teammate speak. It was clear: Kittle isn’t just supporting Purdy because they share a huddle—he truly believes in him as the man to lead the 49ers.

Purdy’s 2024 season wasn’t flawless. After a sensational 2023 campaign that saw him lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl in just his second year, expectations were sky-high. But the follow-up season was more volatile. There were highlight moments—clutch throws, poised drives, and a few game-winning performances—but also periods of inconsistency, particularly against elite defenses. Still, the Niners saw enough to offer Purdy a multi-year extension this offseason, reportedly placing him among the top ten highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.

For the 49ers, the message was clear: Brock Purdy is their guy.

For Kittle, it was more personal. Since Purdy’s improbable rise from Mr. Irrelevant to starter, the duo has developed a strong on-field rapport and an off-field chemistry. Kittle has consistently praised Purdy’s work ethic, demeanor, and ability to handle pressure—no small feat considering the scrutiny that comes with leading a Super Bowl-contending franchise like the 49ers.

“Brock’s the same guy every day. Whether we’re down ten or up twenty, he doesn’t flinch,” Kittle said. “That’s what you want from your quarterback.”

And yet, the pressure only intensifies from here.

With a new contract in hand, Purdy is no longer playing with the benefit of low expectations. The “surprise breakout” narrative has expired. Now he enters the 2025 season with a massive target on his back. Defensive coordinators have two full years of film. Fans are demanding a return to the Super Bowl. And the 49ers, loaded with Pro Bowl talent on both sides of the ball, are operating in a tight championship window.

But Kittle sees that as fuel.

“He’s got the weapons, he’s got the mind for it, and now he’s got the experience,” Kittle said. “Brock knows what it’s like to get close, and he’s the type of guy who wants to finish the job.”

The weapons, indeed, are elite. Kittle himself remains one of the best all-around tight ends in the game, equally dangerous in the pass game and the run-blocking trenches. Wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk (assuming he’s back healthy from his stint on the PUP list) are explosive after the catch. Christian McCaffrey remains the most versatile running back in football. The offensive line, anchored by All-Pro tackle Trent Williams, is still a formidable unit.

But weapons alone don’t win titles—consistency under center does. And that’s where Purdy needs to take the next leap.

After throwing 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, he ranked 13th in passer rating and 11th in completion percentage. Those are solid numbers, but not elite. There were stretches where Purdy’s decision-making looked rushed, and his timing with receivers seemed slightly off—especially against teams like the Cowboys and Ravens, who rattled him with complex blitz packages.

Still, even in those moments, Purdy didn’t unravel. He never lost the locker room, never threw teammates under the bus, and most importantly, never let the moment become bigger than him. According to Kittle, that resilience is what separates Purdy from most young quarterbacks.

“I’ve played with a lot of guys,” Kittle said. “What makes Brock special is his internal clock—not just in the pocket, but in how he processes the game. It’s like he already knows the adjustments before the coaches say it.”

That football IQ, combined with his off-the-field leadership, is part of why the 49ers felt comfortable giving Purdy the keys to the franchise. He’s not the loudest voice in the room, but he doesn’t need to be. He leads by preparation, precision, and poise. He’s also developed strong bonds with veterans like Kittle and McCaffrey—guys who command respect in the locker room.

The organization knows it’s betting big on a quarterback who was once the last pick of the draft. But the sample size is no longer small. In 30 starts, Purdy is 23-7 as a starter, including the postseason. He’s guided multiple playoff wins, made two NFC title game appearances, and stood toe-to-toe with some of the game’s biggest names.

Now, the challenge is sustaining it. The bar in San Francisco is not just playoff appearances—it’s Lombardi Trophies. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has taken the 49ers to the NFC Championship in four of the last six seasons but has yet to secure the ultimate prize. Fair or not, Purdy will now be judged by what he does in January and February.

That’s why a believer like Kittle matters. When a respected veteran puts his public support behind his quarterback, it reinforces trust throughout the locker room.

“He doesn’t need to be Mahomes or Allen,” Kittle said. “He just needs to be Brock Purdy. And that’s more than enough for us.”

In a sport where windows close fast, the 49ers know they’re in their prime. McCaffrey is at his peak. Kittle is still playing at an elite level. Samuel, Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings give them depth. The defense—anchored by Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Talanoa Hufanga—remains one of the best in football.

They don’t have time for regression under center. And Kittle’s comments make it clear he doesn’t expect any.

“He’s just scratching the surface,” Kittle said. “This offseason has been his best one yet. He’s healthier, sharper, and more confident than I’ve ever seen him.”

There will be no excuses in 2025. The stage is set. The team is stacked. And with his contract extension finalized, the pressure on Purdy is enormous.

But Kittle’s confidence hasn’t wavered.

If anything, it’s grown stronger.

And if Brock Purdy rises to the occasion the way Kittle expects, the 49ers may finally get the fairytale ending that’s eluded them for the better part of a decade.