George Kittle, the celebrated tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, has been candid about his recovery process following a significant Achilles injury sustained during an NFC Wild Card playoff match against the Philadelphia Eagles on 11 January. The injury, which saw the 49ers clinch a narrow victory at 23-19, has posed challenges for the athlete as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kittle provided insight into the physical and dietary adjustments he has made during his rehabilitation phase. The 32-year-old star expressed the emotional difficulty of experiencing an injury at such a critical point in the season. “Getting hurt in the playoffs is never fun,” he remarked, adding, “Tearing your Achilles, not very fun either. I wouldn’t suggest it — but I am doing really good right now. Making progress all the way.”
Kittle explained that the initial stages of recovery were particularly taxing, involving repetitive exercises that can feel mundane over time. He expressed optimism as he nears a phase where he can engage in more dynamic training. “We’re almost through the mundane stuff. I almost get to go out there and have a lot of fun again. We’re getting there,” he stated.
While he has taken a measured approach to revamping his physical routine, Kittle has also modified his dietary intake significantly. Following recommendations from his physical therapist and surgeon, he has increased his protein consumption to support tendon recovery. “Eat as much protein as you possibly can,” Kittle recalled the medical experts advising him. “You literally can’t eat enough of it because it helps with your tendon recovery, so that would be the biggest change.”
Adapting to this new dietary focus presented its own set of challenges for Kittle. Initially, he found it “kind of weird” to consume more protein, but he has adjusted, proclaiming, “Now, protein’s basically my entire diet with some other stuff. That has been the biggest adjustment, just protein, protein, protein, with a little Brotein.”
Kittle has partnered with MUG Root Beer to introduce a new product called MUG Brotein, which he is incorporating into his diet. This limited-edition bundle, featuring MUG Zero Sugar alongside a vanilla protein shake, is designed to enhance his nutritional intake during recovery. “MUG protein kind of falls in that category, but it’s 40 grams of protein with zero sugar. Those are things that you want. Tastes like a root beer float too, which is just phenomenal… Chef’s kiss!” he enthused.
Looking towards the upcoming season, Kittle has expressed a sense of determination and motivation in overcoming his recent challenges. “It’s just another challenge for me,” he reflected on the injury. “You know, something to overcome or a hurdle to get over. And so I’m just really looking forward to showing that I can get that done and get back onto the football field as quickly as I can.”
Kittle reported progress in his recovery, noting that he is currently transitioning on and off crutches. “Just small little steps in the right direction. That’s all we’re trying to do,” he shared, indicating that he remains focused on regaining full mobility and strength.
As anticipation builds for the new NFL season, Kittle and the 49ers will face off against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on 10 September 2026. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the field, where he aims to showcase his resilience and skill following this challenging period of recovery.
With Kittle’s steadfast commitment to both his physical rehabilitation and dietary adjustments, he is setting his sights on an impactful comeback. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and hard work required to overcome sports injuries, as he aims to contribute to the team’s success once again.