A monster season has earned San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle multiple honors this offseason. Earlier this week he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-NFC team, and two weeks ago he was named to the Associated Press’ All Pro second team.
The PFWA did not post voting totals, but the AP provides a look at everybody that received any votes for their All Pro squads. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce got the first team nod over Kittle, but it was a close race. Out of the 50 votes, Kelce received 21, Kittle received 18 1/2, and Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz received 10 1/2.
The competition for best tight end this season was entirely between these three. Kelce was first team All Pro at PFWA and the AP and voted starting tight end for the AFC. Kittle was voted second team All Pro by the AP, All-NFC by the PFWA, and was the second tight end on the NFC Pro Bowl squad. Zach Ertz was voted to start for the NFC in the Pro Bowl and was effectively third team All Pro at the AP. Ertz has withdrawn from the Pro Bowl and so Kittle will now get the start for the NFC.
It is worth noting that three other 49ers players received All Pro votes from the Associated members. The AP does not have a fullback, and so Kyle Juszczyk got a single vote for the “Flex” position. DeForest Buckner received two votes among interior linemen, finishing behind Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox, Chris Jones, J.J. Watt, and Akiem Hicks. Finally, Robbie Gould finished third among kickers with six votes, behind Justin Tucker and Aldrick Rosas.