San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle is known for his ferocious energy on the field and his larger-than-life personality off it. But today, the All-Pro tight end is mourning the loss of one of the men who inspired him most — wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who passed away at age 71 from cardiac arrest.
Kittle, a lifelong pro wrestling superfan, took to social media just moments after the news broke, sharing an emotional tribute that quickly resonated across the sports world.
“I lost one of my heroes today. Hulk was wrestling — larger than life in every way. Rest easy, brother.”
— George Kittle
The heartfelt message was paired with throwback photos of Kittle in classic “Hulkamania” gear as a child, alongside images of the two finally meeting years later — a dream come true for Kittle, who often credits Hogan for shaping his fearless, high-octane attitude.
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was more than just a wrestler. He was a cultural phenomenon. His signature mustache, bandana, and electric charisma defined an era of sports entertainment and inspired millions of kids like George Kittle to dream big, train hard, and live loud.
“Hulk didn’t just entertain — he taught a generation about strength, loyalty, and believing in yourself,” one fan commented under Kittle’s tribute.
While Hogan’s passing has sent shockwaves through the wrestling and sports communities, Kittle’s tribute serves as a reminder: heroes never truly leave us. Their spirit lives on in every kid who flexes in the mirror, every player who brings passion to the game, and every fan who dares to live larger than life.
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