Overview
- Kittle told the story on Chris Simms’ Unbuttoned podcast on Thursday, saying Shanahan joked he could beat him in a fight and Kittle carried him to the beach and put him in the ocean.
- Kittle said the incident happened about four or five years earlier during a family golf trip in Cabo and was entirely playful rather than serious.
- In the same podcast appearance, Kittle praised Shanahan’s football teaching, noting run‑game meetings that clarified blocking assignments and defensive structure.
- Kittle has publicly defended Shanahan after criticism following an injury‑marred 2025 season, arguing the coach was not on the hot seat and emphasizing their strong relationship.
- Reporters framed the anecdote as a humanizing sign of player‑coach chemistry that supports the 49ers’ continuity as they move into the 2026 season.