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George Kittle & Wife Claire Make Heartwarming Gesture with IU Children’s Hospital Visit Before NFL Star’s Special Role at Iowa Game

George Kittle is back where it all began. With the San Francisco 49ers on their bye week, the tight end has returned to Iowa ahead of the Hawkeyes’ showdown with Northwestern. But before stepping into his role for his former…

By Suryakant Das · Essentially Sports

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 8:35 PM

Key Things to Know

George Kittle and his wife Claire visited patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Kittle is serving as the Iowa Hawkeyes' honorary captain during the 49ers' NFL bye week.
The couple plans to make hospital visits a regular initiative through the Kittle Foundation.

The Story in 60 Seconds

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his wife, Claire, visited the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital during his NFL bye week. The couple spent time playing with and lifting the spirits of young patients ahead of Kittle serving as honorary captain for the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium.

Kittle discussed the visit on The Rich Eisen Show, explaining that the couple aims to make such hospital visits regular through the Kittle Foundation. His ties to the hospital trace back to his collegiate career at Iowa, having previously visited with former teammate C.J. Beathard and held charity auctions.

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