George Kittle’s Iowa Return Will Bring a Powerful Message Back to Kinnick Stadium

Iowa fans will have another reason to make Saturday’s meeting with Wisconsin special. George Kittle, one of the most recognizable players to come through the Hawkeye football program, is returning to Iowa City as the team’s honorary captain. His role will go beyond being introduced to the crowd. Kittle will walk to midfield alongside Iowa’s captains for the pregame coin toss and spend time with the team in the locker room before and after the game.

Kittle played for Iowa from 2013 through 2016. During those seasons, the Hawkeyes recorded 35 victories and reached a bowl game in each of his four years. His time in Iowa City included the remarkable 2015 campaign, when Iowa completed the Big Ten regular season unbeaten and earned a place in the Rose Bowl. That team remains one of the most memorable groups in recent program history, and Kittle was part of the journey.

His contribution became especially noticeable during his final two seasons. Kittle finished that period with 42 receptions for 604 yards and 10 touchdowns, production that reflected his ability to make an impact as a receiving tight end. He also completed a communications degree and earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition four times. Those achievements helped shape a college career that involved more than what he delivered on Saturdays.

The next chapter began when the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kittle developed into one of the league’s leading tight ends, combining receiving ability, physical blocking and an unmistakable energy that has made him a fan favorite. His professional success has brought multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, including first-team recognition in 2019 and 2023.

For Iowa, his return is about more than celebrating an NFL star. Honorary captains connect the players wearing the uniform today with those who helped build the program’s history. Kittle’s journey shows how a college career can become the foundation for opportunities well beyond campus. His presence also gives current Hawkeyes a chance to connect with someone who understands the expectations and togetherness that come with representing Iowa.

The locker-room visits could be among the most meaningful parts of the occasion. Before kickoff, Kittle will have an opportunity to share the moment with players as they prepare for a demanding conference matchup. After the game, he will be able to reconnect with the team once the work on the field is complete. No specific speech or message has been announced, but his experience alone gives the visit significance.

Saturday’s opponent adds another layer to the occasion. Iowa is set to host No. 25 Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. Central Time. The matchup brings a ranked opponent into a stadium known for its intense atmosphere, and the Hawkeyes will be looking to make the most of a home opportunity. Kittle’s appearance gives the day an additional storyline before the teams settle into the business of football.

The pregame coin toss is usually a brief ceremony, but this one will carry personal meaning for Iowa supporters. Kittle will stand with the current captains at midfield, linking generations of Hawkeye leadership in front of the home crowd. It is a small moment in the schedule, yet one that can resonate long after the opening kickoff.

For Kittle, the visit is a return to the place where his football career took an important step forward. Iowa helped introduce him to a wider audience, while the lessons and relationships formed there remained part of his path into the NFL. His achievements with San Francisco have made him a major name in professional football, but Saturday’s appearance places the focus back on the school where his rise began.

The Hawkeyes will still have a game to play, and attention will quickly shift to Wisconsin. Before that happens, Kittle will have the chance to share the field and locker room with the team he once represented. His return gives Iowa fans a familiar face to welcome home and reminds the current squad that the Hawkeye connection can last well beyond a player’s final snap in black and gold.