The High School Attended by George Kittle Became the Starting Point of His Journey to NFL Greatness: A Deep Dive into His Early Years

George Kittle developed his foundational NFL skills during his high school years at Norman High School. Let’s explore where it all began.

A slender teenager steps onto an Oklahoma high school football field, unnoticed by the masses, yet already flashing the athletic talent that would one day dominate the NFL. That’s where George Kittle’s incredible story takes root. For football enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, or anyone eager to uncover the origins of a six-time Pro Bowler, discovering where George Kittle went to high school offers a captivating window into his rise to fame. This in-depth article explores Kittle’s transformative years at Norman High School, his standout performances, and how those early experiences forged him into the San Francisco 49ers’ superstar tight end he is today, as of April 21, 2025. Packed with stats, personal insights, and a touch of nostalgia, this journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Introduction: Why George Kittle’s High School Matters

What turns a high school tale into a must-read? It’s the unique mix of perseverance, raw talent, and an underdog spirit that transforms an unknown athlete into a celebrated icon. For George Kittle, his time at Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, wasn’t just a pit stop—it was the bedrock of his work ethic and athletic identity. This isn’t merely a story of stats; it’s about how a kid with big dreams and limited spotlight carved his path to NFL greatness. Whether you’re a 49ers die-hard or love an inspiring success saga, this exploration delivers detailed analysis, practical takeaways, and a personal glimpse into Kittle’s roots. Let’s start by tracing his early life and the move that landed him in Oklahoma.

Early Life and the Move to Norman

George Krieger Kittle was born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin—a city far from the Oklahoma plains where his legend would begin. His early years were marked by movement, attending Iowa City West High School and Cedar Falls High School in Iowa. But in 2010, as a sophomore, a pivotal shift occurred: his family relocated to Norman, Oklahoma. Why? His father, Bruce Kittle, a former Iowa Hawkeye and co-captain of the 1982 Rose Bowl team, took an assistant coaching role at the University of Oklahoma under Bob Stoops. This wasn’t just a change of address—it plunged George into a football-centric world that sparked his passion.

Bruce’s football legacy was a guiding light, while George’s mother, Jan Krieger, brought her own athletic pedigree, having earned a spot in the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame for basketball and softball. With such a lineage, it’s no surprise George thrived. Enrolling at Norman High School, he stepped into an environment that would challenge and shape him, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.

George Kittle’s High School Career at Norman High School

At Norman High School, George Kittle didn’t just play sports—he owned them. Excelling in both football and basketball, he displayed a rare athletic flexibility that set him apart. His football prowess spanned multiple positions—tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety—making him a standout even among future pros. Let’s break down his high school years to see how this multi-sport star emerged.

Sophomore Year: Finding His Footing

When Kittle arrived at Norman High as a sophomore, he stood at 6 feet—not yet the imposing figure he’d become. That first year was about acclimating to a new team and town, but his physical evolution was already in motion. By the end of the season, he’d surged to 6’4” and 200 pounds, a transformation noted in KNBR - George Kittle Was a Ball-Hawking Safety in High School. This growth spurt wasn’t just about height—it equipped him to dominate across positions, laying the groundwork for his breakout years.

Junior Year: A Star Emerges

Kittle’s junior year was electric. He racked up 23 receptions for 260 yards and 5 touchdowns on offense, while defensively, he notched 29 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery. These stats, sourced from MaxPreps - George Kittle’s High School Career, paint a picture of a dual-threat dynamo. Playing tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety, he wasn’t just filling roles—he was rewriting them. His efforts propelled the Norman Tigers to the state playoffs, proving he could shine on both sides of the ball.

Senior Year: Cementing His Legacy

By his senior year, Kittle was unstoppable. He hauled in 26 receptions for 301 yards and 5 touchdowns, while snagging 5 interceptions on defense. Highlights like his 66-yard performance against Jenks and 43 yards against Broken Arrow, per MaxPreps, showcased his consistency. His leadership drove the Tigers to another playoff run, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure—a trait now synonymous with his NFL career. As The Oklahoman reflects, these years were the launchpad for his Super Bowl moments.

Recruitment: An Underdog’s Path to Iowa

Despite his stellar play, Kittle’s recruitment story is one of resilience. He received only two Division I offers: one from the University of Iowa, tied to his father’s legacy, and another from the Air Force Academy. “I was just trying to get a shot somewhere,” he shared in a KNBR interview. Opting for Iowa, he bet on himself—a gamble that paid off. His high school versatility and grit, overlooked by many scouts, were the seeds of his future success.

How Norman High Shaped His NFL Career

Kittle’s Norman High days were more than a prelude—they sculpted his NFL identity. Playing multiple positions honed a skill set that makes him a matchup nightmare today, excelling as both a pass-catcher and blocker. His journey from an under-the-radar recruit to a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers reflects a work ethic born in Oklahoma. By April 2025, he’s earned six Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors, per Pro-Football-Reference.com - George Kittle Stats. That adaptability? It traces back to Norman High’s fields.

A Personal Touch: Bonds That Last

Kittle’s high school wasn’t just about stats—it forged lasting friendships. Take Brandon Minto, a teammate turned military pilot. In 2024, during a 49ers-Packers game, Minto flew in a military flyover at Lambeau Field, and Kittle cheered wildly from the sidelines. “That’s my buddy!” he exclaimed, as captured by 49ers.com. Minto later ribbed Kittle about a high school play where he “mossed” him, adding a playful twist to their reunion. These ties show Norman High was about more than football—it was about roots.

Stats Snapshot: High School to NFL

Here’s a look at Kittle’s growth through numbers:

Phase	Receptions	Yards	TDs	Interceptions	Tackles	Highlights
Junior Year (HS)	23	260	5	5	29	Multi-role breakout
Senior Year (HS)	26	301	5	5	-	Playoff leader, all-around star
NFL Career (2025)	471	6,274	37	-	-	6 Pro Bowls, elite tight end

Stats from MaxPreps and Pro-Football-Reference.com.

These figures reveal how Kittle’s high school foundation—modest yet versatile—blossomed into NFL dominance.

Conclusion: From Norman to NFL Glory

George Kittle’s high school tenure at Norman High School was the crucible where his talent, determination, and adaptability were forged. From a multi-sport standout to an NFL titan, his journey inspires. It’s a reminder that greatness often starts in unexpected places, fueled by hard work. As Kittle continues to dazzle with the 49ers, his Norman roots remain a proud chapter.

Curious for more? Dive into his Iowa college days or track his latest 49ers feats. What’s your take—where will Kittle’s story go next? Drop a comment below!

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Updated: April 21, 2025