Kittle says first-down celebration borrowed from Mexican wrestler
George Kittle says he wants to take the souls of the defenders he blocks.
Such a metaphysical goal is bizarre in the game of football, where everyone is focused on the matchups and techniques.
It belongs more in the world of wrestling, where the physical world and the imagined world coincide much more readily than an NFL coach would ever allow — beyond the visualization of a Lombardi Trophy, of course.
But it’s no surprise that Kittle is the man to bridge that gap, as a big-time wrestling fan when he’s not busy starring as the league’s best player.
His first-down gesture has drawn attention, as some have noted its similarity to a white supremacy gesture. But Kittle explains, as he has before, it’s taken from Pentagón Jr., a Mexican wrestler.
The circle made with his thumb and forefinger form a “0”, and when he flicks his wrist, his other fingers create an “M”. Together, they signify Pentagón Jr.’s catch phrase: Cero miedo, or “zero fear” in English.
Friday at the 49ers’ final media availability before heading to Miami for Super Bowl LIV, Kittle expressed what he loves about Pentagón Jr., who is currently under contract with All Elite Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
“Two years ago in New Orleans, I went to Wrestlemania, and watched him wrestle six different times at a bunch of different shows,” Kittle said. “Just like his swagger in the ring and his confidence. Just kind of stuck with me.”
Pentagón Jr. has picked up on Kittle’s tribute and shared a little support of his own for the All-Pro tight end this week as he preps for the Super Bowl.
It sure seems the two are finding their stride simultaneously. Kittle is reaching the pinnacle of his sport as Pentagón Jr., whose real name is unknown, holds the AAA World Tag Team Championship belt with his partner and lucha brother Fénix.
Kittle says he picked up his love for wrestling at the University of Iowa from teammate Steve Manders, a fullback at the time who now wrestles as a freelancer without a contract.
“The first wrestling thing I ever watched was WrestleMania here at Levi’s Stadium,” Kittle said. “(Manders) said, ‘Hey, look, just give it a chance. You’re going to find a guy that you love.’”
The first wrestler who Kittle followed at that time was Seth Rollins, a fellow Iowan, but he also has professed his appreciation for The Rock. Still, the only wrestler he honors on the field is Pentagón Jr.
Instead of searching for a title belt, Kittle is on a quest for his Super Bowl ring. Asked about who he’s excited to block next Sunday, Kittle identified a revenge match with a pair of former fellow Hawkeyes.