George Kittle gave more than $250,000 to military nonprofits and 400-plus tickets to heroes, building a charity legacy beyond football

George Kittle has donated more than $250,000 to military nonprofits and over 400 game tickets to service members and frontline heroes across six years. The 49ers tight end was named the NFL's 2024 Salute to Service Award recipient, with the news coming in February 2025. The award, backed by USAA, recognizes members of the NFL family who support the military community. It was Kittle's fourth nomination by the 49ers. This time he beat two other finalists, including Vikings running back Aaron Jones. His record goes well beyond checks and tickets.How much has George Kittle given to military charities?The headline numbers are the $250,000 in donations and the 400-plus tickets. His giving and his My Cause My Cleats designs have supported groups such as the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players, Operation Freedom Paws and Operation Surf.The tickets are the part fans can picture. Kittle hosts military members and frontline heroes at every game. After games, win or lose, he holds a meet-and-greet with them. That detail matters. Giving away tickets is easy to do from a distance. Standing in a postgame line asks for time and energy when most players just want to go home. Six seasons of that routine says more than one large check would.There is a family story behind it. Kittle's uncle and grandfather both served. In his award statement, Kittle said, "My appreciation for the military stems from watching my Uncle Pat serve multiple tours with the National Guard and seeing firsthand how much it impacted him and his family while he was overseas."What else does George Kittle do for veterans beyond donations?Kittle and his family launched the Hidden Pearls Podcast in 2020 to share community stories. Nearly 60 of those stories involved veterans. The conversations led to something practical. The family built an app that offers free mental health resources to veterans, including the meditative practices Kittle uses while he plays.That app may say more than any donation total. Money supports a nonprofit's work. A free tool on a phone reaches a veteran directly, at any hour. It also connects to Kittle's own routine on the field, which makes it read as something personal, not a side project. He credits his family for making "these genuine and authentic relationships" possible.The award itself carries a payout. USAA will give $25,000 in Kittle's honor to the aid societies for each military branch. The NFL Foundation will match that amount for a military charity Kittle picks. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "George Kittle truly embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award."Kittle was quick to share the credit. "We are allowed to live the lives we live here because of the sacrifices they make, so we’re just trying to honor them, show our support, and share as much love as we can."He received the award at a private ceremony at Levi's Stadium after the 49ers played the Lions on Dec. 30, 2024. Marine Col. Robert Barnhart Jr. presented it. Kittle was then recognized on stage at NFL Honors.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.