49ers' George Kittle is one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL, with the ability to block and make big plays in the passing game.
Kittle's 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame is a big reason he can do that, but he revealed he's no longer at that weight.
The five-time Pro Bowler told the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast that he lost nearly 30 pounds after having core muscle surgery following Super Bowl LVIII.
"I couldn't lift," Kittle said via NBC Sports Bay Area. "I couldn't do any upper body because of my shoulder and my rib, and I couldn't do lower [body] because of my core surgery. ... I didn't lift from the Super Bowl until like almost mid-March. I went a month without doing anything. I wasn't supposed to do anything."
Kittle's 2023 season was hampered by injuries, including a fractured rib, issues with his shoulder and toe and a core muscle tear.
However, he proved his toughness by missing only one game and finished the year with 65 catches for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns.
The self-proclaimed gym rat said his "anxiety" was high not being able to lift this offseason but leaned on those who had gone through the same thing.
"I knew a bunch of guys that had gone through it," Kittle added. "I called some people, and they were like, 'Hey, you're gonna feel great, just like the first month or so is going to suck, and after that, you're going to come back."
The 30-year-old has gained 20 pounds, revealing that he must add another 10 pounds to regain his playing weight.
So, although Kittle was not a fan of the process, he's almost back to his normal self.
"It was tough, but I'm feeling great now, which is fantastic," Kittle concluded. "I'd say I'm almost back to 100 percent."
Kittle is entering his eighth season in the NFL and is coming off his second All-Pro season.
