San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle made headlines after delivering a surprise wrestling move on WWE star The Miz during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, on Sunday. The incident quickly caught the attention of NFL fans, sparking mixed reactions online about the unusual clash at a traditionally serene golf tournament.
Kittle, who is known to be a passionate wrestling fan, seized the moment when The Miz pretended annoyance and playfully shoved him. After The Miz turned his back to engage the crowd, Kittle crouched and executed Shawn Michaels’ iconic finishing move, Sweet Chin Music, striking The Miz’s chin with the sole of his shoe. This well-rehearsed bit created a viral moment that showcased the NFL player’s wrestling enthusiasm outside of football.
Fan Reactions to the Wrestling Stunt on the Golf Course
As clips of the staged fight spread on social media, fans of both football and wrestling weighed in with varied opinions. Many found the playful interaction to be entertaining and a fresh change from typical golf tournament banter. One fan joked,
“Wow, golf sure has gotten a lot more exciting than when my dad played 👀,”
while another commented humorously,
“Miz went from getting black masked week after week to now being kicked out by Kittle 🤣🤣.”
Some praised the stunt as “pretty epic and hilarious,” likening it to an ordinary golf event with an exciting twist.
However, not all viewers appreciated the crossover of wrestling theatrics into the calm atmosphere of a golf course. Critics labeled the move as off-putting, with one saying, “Worst kick ever,” and another expressing displeasure by calling it “beyond lame fr.” These contrasting views highlight the divide among NFL fans about blending sports entertainment with traditional sports settings.
Kittle’s Long-Standing Connection to Wrestling
George Kittle’s enthusiasm for wrestling extends beyond casual fandom. He has publicly demonstrated his love for the sport on several occasions, including appearances at WrestleMania events such as WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles. The six-time Pro Bowler has even hinted at the possibility of pursuing wrestling professionally once his football career concludes, showing a clear passion for the entertainment sport alongside his NFL commitments.
George Kittle’s Role and Future with the 49ers
Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, George Kittle has become one of the premier tight ends in the league. Throughout his eight seasons, he has earned six Pro Bowl selections and participated in two Super Bowl games, both losses coming against the Kansas City Chiefs. Recently, the 49ers secured Kittle’s services with a four-year contract extension worth $76.4 million, featuring a $40 million guarantee. This contract will pay him approximately $19.1 million per year through 2029.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, Kittle and his veteran teammates are expected to report for training camp on July 22, with practices commencing the following day. This camp will be critical as the coaching staff evaluates the roster, aiming to improve after a disappointing season. Kittle’s performance and leadership are likely to be key factors in the 49ers’ push to return to playoff contention.
