George Kittle Hails Caitlin Clark’s Grit and Grace as Iowa Hawkeye Shines in WNBA

San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle didn’t hold back when praising fellow University of Iowa alum Caitlin Clark, calling her a "dog"—a term of endearment for her fierce competitiveness—and lauding her grace under pressure. Both Hawkeyes, Kittle and Clark share a bond forged in Iowa’s black-and-gold legacy, with Kittle leaving for the NFL in 2017 and Clark becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

In a recent interview, Kittle marveled at Clark’s ability to navigate her meteoric rise to fame. "She’s gone from college star to global icon, and she handles it with this effortless poise," he said. "She’s always kind, always present, and takes time for everyone." On the court, Clark’s faced hard fouls and whispers of jealousy from peers, but Kittle sees her resilience shining through. "She takes whatever comes her way with the highest grace," he noted, his pride in their shared Hawkeye roots evident.

Reflecting on their first meeting, Kittle recalled Clark’s warmth in the training room post-game, hugging trainers and chatting with ease. "You see her fire on the court, but off it, she’s just Caitlin—authentic and grounded," he said. "That balance is rare." As Kittle gears up for the American Century Classic golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, he admitted his nerves are sky-high, joking he’s a "tremendous underdog" on the green. Yet his admiration for Clark’s ability to thrive under scrutiny remains unwavering.