George Kittle To Serve As Honorary Captain

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa tight end George Kittle will serve as honorary captain Saturday when the Hawkeyes entertain No. 25 Wisconsin inside a sold-out Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. (CT) on FOX.

During his collegiate career from 2013-16, Kittle contributed to 35 combined wins and advanced to four January bowl games. Most notably, he was a key member of the historic 2015 Iowa squad that completed an undefeated Big Ten regular season and earned a trip to the 2016 Rose Bowl.

Over his final two seasons in Iowa City, Kittle combined for 604 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns and 42 receptions. He earned his degree in communications and was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Kittle has developed into one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history. Over his 10-year career, he has amassed 629 receptions for 8,433 yards and 57 touchdowns. Kittle has earned multiple Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro honors, including first-team selections in 2019 and 2023 alongside several second-team recognitions. He holds franchise records for most receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, highlighted by multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

During Kittle's tenure, the 49ers have made four NFC Championship Game appearances — winning two — and appeared in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII.

Kittle will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss and will be with the team in the locker room before and after the game.