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49ers TE George Kittle hints at WWE interest after living 'dream' in WrestleMania 39

jaylon thompson, usa today
·2 min read

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle realized a childhood dream this weekend. Kittle, who is a WWE super fan, got a chance to be a part of the WrestleMania 39 experience.

Kittle was involved in a WrestleMania segment with WWE superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin and former NFL punter turned show host Pat McAfee. Kittle attacked "The Miz" with a clothesline and aided McAfee in winning an impromptu match during Saturday’s event.

Kittle hinted that he would be open to a potential WWE role in the future.

"Pat McAfee and Mr. [Triple] H have my phone number," Kittle said. "I will always return those phone calls, baby."

(Paul Levesque, "Triple H," is the WWE's chief content officer.)

GRAPHICS: A visual guide to the WrestleMania 39 and its history in Hollywood

Kittle reflected on his WrestleMania 39 moment, which occurred inside the squared circle in front of 80,497 fans at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

"It was a dream," Kittle said on the WrestleMania 39 Sunday kickoff show. "I mean, I felt like I’m a 13-year-old kid just out there. 'Hey, we want you to truck stick a guy, professional at it, then you’re gonna raise your hand in the ring with Pat McAfee.' Like who would’ve thought. I’m not going to stop smiling for eight months. What a fantastic moment."

Football-WWE crossover

It’s not uncommon for former football players to join the WWE ranks. Over the years, WWE has become a second home for the likes of Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin. WWE Hall of Famers Ernie Ladd, Bill Goldberg and Ron Simmons also have varying degrees of NFL experience.

One of the biggest WWE stars is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. While he never played in the NFL, Johnson is one of the most popular actors and is a co-owner of the XFL. He is an eight-time WWE champion.

Fans may also remember iconic NFL guest appearances.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor wrestled former WWE star Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania 11. Meanwhile, Chicago Bears legend William “The Refrigerator” Perry had a match at WrestleMania 2. He was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle yells as he walks off the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in a wild card game at Levi's Stadium.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle yells as he walks off the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in a wild card game at Levi's Stadium.

Kittle could follow in a similar path as former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski. The four-time Super Bowl champion hosted WrestleMania 36 and won the WWE 24/7 championship.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WrestleMania 39 was 'dream' for George Kittle, who hints at WWE role