Fitzpatrick’s heart hurts after Miami makes QB change
George Kittle has been showered with accolades — not to mention a massive contract extension — in his years with the 49ers. But hearing the praise he received from New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was particularly special.
“Kittle is a great player. He does everything well,” Belichick said this week in a conference call with Bay Area media. “I put him right at the top of the league there, period. Ability to run, catch, get open, after the catch, block. I mean, he does everything at a high level.” Kittle appreciated the shout- out.
“It’s awesome,” Kittle told KNBR on Tuesday afternoon. “Someone like coach Belichick, with the success that he’s had and sustained it for so long. He’s obviously seen a lot of good football players.”
Kittle, a first-team All-Pro last season and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, had seven catches for 109 yards an a touchdown for the 49ers in their 24-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco travels to play at New England on Sunday.
After he missed Week 2 and Week 3 games vs. the Jets and Giants, respectively, with a knee injury, Kittle has rebounded with a combined 26 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns. He has also rushed for a score.
“He’s as good as anybody that I’ve coached or as good as anybody we’ve played against,” said Belichick, who coached Rob Gronkowski for nine years
from 2010 to 2018. “He’s got a great skill set and the 49ers put him in position that really stress a defense.”
“I appreciate the kind words and it just makes me more even more excited to go play my first game in Boston, in Foxborough, and leave a mark,” said Kittle, who received a five-year, $75 million extension in August. “So I’m really looking forward to this Sunday.”
After the 49ers lost to the Miami Dolphins 43-17 on Oct. 11, Kittle called former 49ers captain Joe Staley for advice on how to help lead the team.
“I learned a lot in that conversation, and I do every single time I talk to Joe,” Kittle said, adding that Staley told him to “just be yourself because you’re already a leader the way you are. Just make sure you’re just holding everybody accountable. When guys aren’t holding each other accountable is when things start slipping through.”