Kittle Fires Back at Compton's College Rivalry Jab

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle addressed a pre-game jab from former NFL player Will Compton following the team's 20-9 victory against the Carolina Panthers. Compton had sent a voice message referencing the upcoming Nebraska-Iowa college football game, which Kittle found inappropriate given his focus on an NFL matchup. Kittle aired his grievances on ESPN, calling Compton's timing a sign of fear and questioning his team's performance.

Kittle, who led the Niners receiving unit with 78 yards despite a challenging offensive performance, emphasized the 49ers' strong culture and consistent standards, attributing their resilience to coaching. He framed Compton's comments as a "cheap shot" taken during preparation for a nationally televised game, contrasting it with his own team's approach to high-stakes competition.

Despite the public confrontation, the interaction between Kittle and Compton is understood to stem from a friendly rivalry. Both athletes have collaborated on podcasts, highlighting a history of banter that fuels their relationship. Compton later responded to Kittle's televised comments with a mixture of disbelief and jest, acknowledging their longstanding camaraderie.