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SANTA CLARA, California — As the 2025 season ended in disappointment and George Kittle watched from the sideline with a torn Achilles, retirement rumors began to spread. At 32 years old and entering his 10th NFL season, many wondered if this was the final chapter of a 49ers icon. But Kittle didn’t let the silence linger. In his latest appearance on a national podcast, he directly addressed the question the entire NFL has been buzzing about. And his answer didn’t just shut down speculation — it reignited the entire Faithful fanbase. “I love football, and my body will tell me when I can't play anymore. Or my wife will tell me I look like shit, one or the other.” 🤣🤣🤣@gkittle46 on if he considered retirement after his achilles tear: pic.twitter.com/92Zeyrpm8N — Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) February 24, 2026 “I haven’t finished my mission at Levi’s Stadium. I still want to fight, to give everything I have, to bring glory back to the Faithful. The 49ers aren’t just the team I wear — this is family, this is red and gold running through my veins.” - Kittle Shared. That statement quickly spread across social media, igniting a powerful wave of excitement. With seven Pro Bowl selections and four 1,000-yard seasons, Kittle isn’t just an elite tight end — he’s the emotional heartbeat of the locker room and a relentless spark on every snap. The reason behind his confidence soon became clearer. Kittle’s surgery was performed by renowned orthopedic specialist Neal ElAttrache, who reportedly described the tear as “clean” and located in a position favorable for recovery. That diagnosis opened the door for an earlier return rather than a midseason comeback. Inside the 49ers organization, optimism remains cautious but real. While the medical staff has not set a firm timeline, sources believe Kittle could return at the start of the 2026 season if rehab continues progressing smoothly. For a player known for elite conditioning and disciplined preparation, that scenario is far from unrealistic. More importantly, Kittle’s competitive fire remains untouched. He doesn’t see a finish line — he sees unfinished business. And when an icon like Kittle publicly commits to returning, it’s more than encouraging news for San Francisco. It’s a reminder that the Faithful still have every reason to believe.