GEORGE KITTLE THREW COACH KYLE SHANAHAN INTO OCEAN DURING GOLF TRIP
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recalled an incident during a golfing holiday in Cabo when head coach Kyle Shanahan challenged him to a physical confrontation. According to Kittle's account, the two were playing golf with their families approximately 4 or 5 years ago when Shanahan said he believed he could beat Kittle in a fight. Kittle accepted the challenge, and when Shanahan rushed at him, Kittle lifted his coach onto his shoulder, walked him to the beach, and placed him in the ocean.
Kittle told broadcaster Chris Simms that he then told Shanahan to focus on coaching whilst he concentrated on football. Kittle stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 250 pounds, giving him a substantial physical advantage over his head coach. The incident occurred during a recreational trip rather than within the team's official operations.
The tight end described the episode as one of his favourite stories about Shanahan, suggesting the two maintained a positive relationship despite the unusual encounter. Kittle has played for the 49ers throughout a nine-year NFL career that has included multiple injuries. The account highlights an informal moment between a head coach and one of his team's highest-paid players during an off-season holiday.