Mic'd-up video shows why Kittle failed to make play in Super Bowl

George Kittle. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Mic'd-up video shows why George Kittle failed to recover fumble in Super Bowl

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/16/24

The 49ers suffered yet another devastating loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl after holding a 10-point lead.

San Francisco had a chance to grow its lead early in the game, but running back Christian McCaffery fumbled the ball and Kansas City took over.

To make matters worse, a mic'd-up video has recently revealed that 49ers tight end George Kittle was in the vicinity of the fumble, but instead of being focused on the play, he was busy saying "hello" to Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis, who was the one who recovered the fumble.

George Kittle saying hi to George Karlaftis mid-play while the ball is loose pic.twitter.com/tPu1CRAQzG
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 15, 2024

The irony of the play is that Kittle was a part of another viral mic'd-up clip four years ago when the 49ers lost to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. In it, Kittle is heard saying, "I will be back here, and I will be back with a vengeance. You will not get the best of me."

"I will be back with a vengeance"
-George Kittlepic.twitter.com/QbH7N3TMKk
— sportsthread (@sportsthread) February 6, 2020

Kittle was right about one thing. He got back to the Super Bowl. However, he was wrong about returning with vengeance.

The five-time Pro Bowler was held to just two catches for four yards in the game. And maybe if he would have been able to recover the loose football, San Francisco would have won the rematch.

Super Bowl LVIII went into overtime after the two teams were tied 19-19 at the end of regulation. Another field goal or touchdown could have prevented that from happening.

Kittle is still one of the best tight ends in the league after posting 65 catches for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. And his team likely would not have even made it to the Super Bowl without him.

However, he and the 49ers must now go back to the drawing board if they hope to be contending for another Super Bowl in 2024. And if they do, it's safe to say Kittle won't be focused on saying "hi" to any of his opponents the next time around.

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