San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently expressed his views on the state of the NFL, particularly regarding the treatment of quarterbacks. Despite ongoing efforts by the league to portray football as a safe sport, Kittle argues that the game is becoming increasingly hazardous and that violence is an inherent part of football.
Kittle, who is currently recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, made his comments while appearing on the “Pat McAfee Show” during Super Bowl 60″s Radio Row. He showed enthusiasm about his recovery journey, indicating his dedication to returning to the field stronger.
During his discussion, Kittle highlighted his concerns about the rules surrounding roughing the passer. He stated, “I think they still need to work on roughing the passer. I think that”s outrageous still. If you get hit in the head… I don”t think that should be a thing unless you get hit helmet-to-helmet on a quarterback. If a defensive lineman is swiping to hit a ball and you accidentally hit the quarterback in the head that shouldn”t be a 15-yard penalty. Stop making it so easy on offenses.”
Kittle”s perspective reflects a broader sentiment among some players who believe that the current rules favor offensive play, often at the expense of defensive strategies. His insights come as he recovers from his injury, which has sidelined him for part of the season.
Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, Kittle is well-acquainted with one of the competing teams, the Seattle Seahawks, having faced them three times during the season. He commented on their defensive prowess, likening it to the dominant defense of the 49ers during their successful 2019 campaign. “Their defense reminds me of the defense I had in 2019,” Kittle noted. “They come off the ball, they hit you in the face really, really hard. They penetrate against the line of scrimmage; your offensive line is always in the backfield and their DBs take advantage of that.”
As Kittle continues his recovery, his views on the evolving nature of the game and the challenges it presents highlight the ongoing debate about how to balance player safety with the competitive spirit of football.
