George Kittle Reveals Why 49ers vs Rams Rivalry Fuels His Intensity
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has never concealed the profound significance the rivalry with the Los Angeles Rams holds for him. This sentiment is evident in his passionate discussions and, even more vividly, in his aggressive and determined performances on the field.
A Season of Swings and Bruising Battles
Earlier in the 2025 NFL season, the 49ers secured a hard-fought 26-23 overtime victory against the Rams on the road, a gritty win that underscored their competitive edge. Weeks later, the Rams delivered a powerful response with a commanding 42-26 statement victory at Levi's Stadium. These dramatic swings perfectly encapsulate the evolving nature of this fierce matchup.
For Kittle, this rivalry transcends mere standings and playoff implications. It is deeply rooted in personal history. He entered the league in 2017, a period when the balance of power in the NFC West leaned decisively towards Los Angeles. The early losses accumulated, but so did the invaluable lessons. Over time, these experiences have fundamentally shaped his approach to these critical games and defined what they demand from both him and his team.
Tracing the Roots of a Competitive Fire
George Kittle traces the origins of his intense edge back to his formative seasons, when the Rams, under head coach Sean McVay, set the divisional standard. "I don't know, the Rams week is just because when I first got in the league, they were the best team in the division, easily," Kittle explained in an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. "And I think we lost our first four games to them or something like that, or three games to them. And so, it just always made me want to beat them. And every single time I ever play them, I always want to beat them."
While his competitive feelings extend to other NFC West foes like the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, the Rams evoke a unique response. "Division rivals are always up there, just because we play them twice a year," he noted, adding with a laugh, "and for some reason, my wife (Claire) hates all three of them, which I just love that out of her. I think her and [49ers kicker] Eddy [Piñeiro] both hate them, and I'm not entirely sure the reason, but they both hate them."
The 2019 Shift: Embracing Violence and Physicality
However, the Rams bring out a distinct level of ferocity in Kittle. He identifies a pivotal shift in his mindset around 2019. "The only way to beat these guys, because they're always athletic, they're always talented, they always got a great scheme, they always got a great offense, and the only way to beat them is just to mentally say, screw it. I'm going to be really violent and physical."
Now the longest-tenured player drafted by the 49ers, Kittle carries this uncompromising, physical mindset into every encounter with the Rams. He possesses a deep understanding of what these games represent—not just for his personal legacy, but for the pride of the city and the fans whose loyalty is symbolized by the jersey he wears.
This rivalry, born from early defeats and matured through intense competition, continues to be a primary source of motivation for one of the NFL's most dynamic players, ensuring every 49ers-Rams clash is charged with history and high stakes.
