George & Claire Kittle Share Their Winning Playbook for Life Beyond the Field

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his wife Claire Kittle sat down with Entrepreneur’s Dan Bova at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh to discuss what it truly takes to build sustained success. The conversation, facilitated by U.S. Bank’s Financial Edge program, offered candid insights into the mindset driving one of the NFL’s most prominent power couples.

George, who has recorded multiple 1,000-yard seasons and ranks third in 49ers franchise receiving yards history, emphasized that early success can be the biggest trap athletes and entrepreneurs fall into. He believes the moment you feel successful is precisely when you need to work harder, not coast on momentum.

Building the Right Inner Circle

Both George and Claire stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with a small, trusted group of people. In a world full of hype and distractions, they make a conscious effort to stay grounded and grateful. Claire noted that exposure to high-profile business and sports environments can easily pull your focus if you don’t actively protect your mindset.

The Power of a Personal Reset Ritual

Perhaps the most compelling takeaway was George’s reset ritual, originally developed with a sports psychologist during college, when anxiety nearly pushed him away from the game entirely. He was encouraged to draw a red reset button on his wrist tape after every play. Today, a Joker tattoo on his arm serves the same purpose. Claire adds a sharper edge with their shared mantra: “You choose your fate.”

Together, the Kittles prove that elite performance, whether in sport or business, is built on preparation, perspective, and the ability to move forward fast.