George Kittle and Claire: Tracing the Journey from Classmates to Spouses
George Kittle, the talented San Francisco 49ers tight end, and his wife, Claire, have shared a beautiful journey since their days as classmates at The University of Iowa Their love story blossomed over the years, leading to a heartwarming wedding seven years later
George Kittle and Claire Kittle. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Since George Kittle's football career has developed, so has his relationship with his wife, Claire Kittle. They first met in 2012 during their freshman year at The University of Iowa, where George played for the school's football team and Claire played for their women's basketball team. After graduating in 2016, George was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers the following year.
One year after his NFL debut, George proposed to Claire in 2018.
"I had a big surprise planned. I convinced her that the 49ers were organizing a photoshoot for all the Niners couples," George revealed in an interview with NFL Films in November 2023. Even though he had been injured in a preseason game the prior night, he persevered through the pain to propose on one knee.
George and Claire consistently express their love for each other before every NFL game. In an interview with NFL Films in November 2023, Claire remarked, "We have a pretty good pregame routine down. He comes over and says hi to his mom, dad, me, and you can just tell, like, the energy and he’s just, like, ready to freaking go. It’s so fun to be able to watch him in that moment do what he loves." Keep reading to revisit some of George and Claire’s most significant relationship moments.
2012
Claire told ESPN in August 2019 that she first met George when he stopped her on campus to complement her pink motorcycle helmet.
May 2016
She captioned her first-ever Instagram photo with George in September of that year with, "My main man :D." Two months later, George shared pictures from one of Claire’s basketball games on Instagram. He captioned the post, "@clairetill3 is an iowa bball phenom."
“Hats off to my amazing bear for graduating today!” George shared on Instagram along with a photo of himself with Claire, who was all dressed up in a cap and gown. “So grateful for the chance to be a part of your achievement. Looking forward to soaking up the sun with you on the beach for the next 10 days.”
December 2016
George completed his studies at The University of Iowa seven months later. "I believe she's trying to take credit for my graduation," he captioned an Instagram photo of himself and Claire at the graduation ceremony. "Unbelievable that it's all done! Time flew by too quickly."
Loren Elliott/Getty Images
April 2017
Prior to the 2017 NFL draft, Claire took to Instagram to express her support for George. Her heartfelt message read, "No matter what happens, I’ll be right there by your side ready to take on whatever comes our way! I am so proud of you and the way you’ve made your dream a reality. You continue to inspire me daily. I love you G! Let’s take it all on!."
A few days later, the couple celebrated George’s draft selection by posing in 49ers merch.
April 2018
August 2018
George and Claire added a new member to their family when they brought home their lovable puppy, Deenie. "Combining #wcw and #nationalpetday in one pic! Love you both," George wrote as the caption for an Instagram photo of Claire giving Deenie a kiss.
Claire shared the surprise engagement photo shoot on her blog, describing how she was eventually asked to turn around and face George, only to find him down on one knee. Overwhelmed with joy, she said yes, praising the photographer for capturing their unique personalities and their relationship so accurately.
Courtesy of Claire Kittle/Instagram
April 2019
The couple got married in an intimate ceremony with loved ones. George announced the news on Instagram with a slideshow of photos, calling Claire his best friend and expressing his love for his "wifey." Claire also shared pictures on her own Instagram, thanking her husband for the "unexplainable love" and expressing her excitement at being married to George.
Claire rocked an all-white pantsuit for the event, which George complemented with a white dress shirt and gray plaid pants.
June 2019
The two traveled to Cabo San Lucas Bay, Mexico, for their honeymoon.
April 2021
George and Claire marked their second year of marriage by renewing their wedding vows in a lavish ceremony in Nashville. Claire shared stunning photos of the event on Instagram, captioning them with “Mr. & Mrs. Kittle 4/10/21 … Again.” She gushed about the magical day and expressed her love for George, adding "I love you @gkittle46,"
Claire looked gorgeous in a fitted lace gown, while George looked dapper in a traditional black tuxedo, adding a touch of personal style with matching black sneakers.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
April 2022
February 2023
The couple flaunted their coordinated fashion sense at the Hall of Fame Health and Fund Recovery Inaugural Charity Concert & Dinner at The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville. George opted for a patterned army green shirt, while Claire rocked a chic neon green monochrome outfit.
February 2023
The 2023 NFL Honors award ceremony saw George and Claire opting for a more subdued color palette compared to their usual bright hues. Claire stunned on the red carpet in a shimmering silver sequin dress, while George chose a stylish gray patterned suit paired with a black dress shirt.
Claire and her partner shared that she had experienced an ectopic pregnancy just one month earlier. Via Instagram, Claire wrote, "I felt my soul leave my body as I knew exactly what that meant. After hours of evaluating options and speaking with doctors in the ER, the decision was made to go into surgery that night." Claire expressed her gratitude for the nurses, doctors, and the Niners for allowing George to leave the building at any given moment.
She also credited George for being her "strength" during the difficult time and thanked their parents for their support.
Courtesy of Claire Kittle/Instagram
Claire finished her message with a heartfelt note, expressing, “Stories hold great power and I hope ours brings you comfort. These conversations need to happen more frequently. Please keep George and me in your thoughts as we navigate the unknown. I believe that God provides us with what we need, when we need it.”
November 2023
“Every single day right before I leave, she tells me to ‘kick some ass today,’ which I absolutely love that” George shared during an interview for NFL Films.
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When asked about her husband, Claire gushed, "I love everything about him, especially his personality. We were friends before we started dating, and I fell in love with that first. And he's just so funny, everyone loves him."
In other news, George was named on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Sports list for co-founding Tight End University with Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen.
