Veteran Chris Kleinsorge gifts Afghanistan uniform to George Kittle (Photo: Jennifer Lee Chan)
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle received a token of appreciation from Retired Staff Sergeant Chris Kleinsorge before the 49ers faced the Jacksonville Jaguars for their Week 10 matchup.
Sporting the 49ers’ colors at EverBank Stadium, Kleinsorge met Claire, Kittle’s wife, and presented her with the uniform he had worn in Afghanistan to pass along to Kittle. On the uniform, Kleinsorge wrote the message: “As the 49ers Salute to Service nominee, conveying gratitude on behalf of all Military Veterans, I want to thank you for your contributions in supporting my fellow brothers and sisters in arms.”
Over the past five years, Kittle has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the supporting Service Members and Veterans. Kittle’s devotion for supporting the military community stems from his personal connection to his grandfather Carl and uncle Pat, both of whom served in the Armed Forces.
In a display of generosity, Kittle has donated over 200 tickets to Service Members and frontline heroes for nearly every home and away game. In 2020, Kittle and his family founded the Hidden Pearls Podcast, sharing the stories of community members, including 45 Veterans. After gifting Super Bowl LIV tickets to the family of fallen Army soldier SGT Martin LaMar, he continues to host the LaMars at the 49er’s training camp and keeps SGT LaMar’s purple heart in his locker. He was also involved with the NFL’s Salute to Service in 2018, where he shook the hands of every participating service member during the Monday Night Football anthem, which had over 10 million views.
Kittle has contributed nearly $150,000 to Military nonprofits, with a focus on organizations selected by Veterans featured on HPP. Additionally, through the My Cause My Cleats program, Kittle has consistently honored Military sacrifices by supporting organizations such as the Pat Tillman Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and Operation Freedom Paws.
Kittle’s dedication goes beyond the visible, as seen in his ongoing efforts to raise awareness for Veterans facing PTSD. Hosting Ramon, a Veteran, and his service dog Huey at practice, Kittle used his platforms to share Ramon’s story on Hidden Pearls Podcast and social media. Inspired by such stories, Kittle and his family launched Mindful Meditation in 2020, offering free monthly mental health practices to MVP Veterans.
In the 2021 season, Kittle purchased over 150 tickets for the National Guard, and in 2022, he hosted service members at every 49ers home and away game. This season, Kittle’s philanthropy extends to a donation of over $10,000 to Operation Freedom Paws, a non-profit organization connecting service dogs to Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Readers have the opportunity to vote for Kittle to earn the 2023 NFL’s Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. Three finalists who have demonstrated ongoing dedication to the Military community will be picked. Readers can cast their vote here.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
