The San Francisco 49ers have just a few minutes of football left to play for their season, but tight end George Kittle will end things having shattered Rob Gronkowski’s (and later Travis Kelce’s) single-season record for receiving yards. Kittle scored a 43-yard touchdown to close the game with 1,377 yards. Gronk held the record with 1,327 yards. Kelce moved past him, and now Kittle has moved past Kelce.
Kittle’s nine receptions also breaks another 49ers team record for the most single-season receptions by a tight end. The record was held by Eric Johnson, whom set it at 82 receptions in 2004.
Kittle wasn’t the only player to break Gronk’s record. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce also shattered it in the Chief’s win over the Oakland Raiders. Kelce finished the 2018 regular season with 1,336 yards and held the record for just over an hour until Kittle caught up. Now Kelce sits in second place.
Regardless, history has been made. George Kittle’s 43-yard touchdown run gives him some cushioning and he sits as the leader. There are few moments to take from the 49ers 2018 season. This is probably the biggest. If there were any questions on Kittle being an elite tight end, those can be put to rest.
George freaking Kittle.
Break the record, might as well score too. Congrats @gkittle46 #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/kD4H2SQj1Y
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 31, 2018