San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle shared a surprising story about his first encounter with NBA star Stephen Curry, revealing how the meeting challenged his perception of size and presence. Although Kittle, standing about 6’4
“, is a typical size for his NFL position, Curry, who measures roughly 6’2”
, appears smaller on the basketball court, which affected Kittle’s mental impression during their initial introduction.
A Memorable Beginning at a Giants Baseball Game
Kittle recounted that the first time he met Curry was at a San Francisco Giants baseball game, describing how the experience left a lasting impact on him. The difference in their sports and physical presence created a unique dynamic that caught Kittle off guard.
The first time I ever met Steph was actually at a San Francisco Giants baseball game,
Kittle said, per Complex Sports.
It really messed with my mental state. When I met him in Perth for the first time, I was like, ah, shoot. I’m not that big. I’m just not.
Observations on Other NBA Greats
Beyond Curry, Kittle also shared his admiration for LeBron James. He reflected on witnessing James’s extraordinary athleticism up close, emphasizing how differently they approach their respective sports despite both being elite athletes.
And then one time I got to see, like, I got to sit courtside and watch LeBron do a full-court spin move dunk. And I was like, oh my God, just dunking it. Good for you, man. That’s not me. We play different games. I would hit him in the knees, though.
Factors Influencing Kittle’s Perception of Size
Though Stephen Curry’s height is not short by general standards, his stature often appears smaller on the basketball court compared to his peers. This contrast between sports, combined with their first interaction, contributed to Kittle’s surprising reaction and his sense of being “not that big.”
Kittle’s Injury and Its Impact on His Upcoming Season
Recently, Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during the 49ers’ playoff push, significantly affecting his playing prospects. Due to the severity of this injury, he is expected to miss a large portion, if not the entirety, of the 2026 NFL season. Despite this setback, Kittle remains regarded as one of the top tight ends, having earned multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
Significance of the Meeting and What Lies Ahead
Kittle’s candid reflection on meeting Curry highlights the interesting contrasts between players from different sports and how perceptions can shift when worlds collide. Looking ahead, while his injury presents challenges, Kittle’s resilience and past achievements suggest he will continue to be a key figure for the 49ers as he recovers.
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