The NFL world is already bubbling with controversies, and Pat McAfee is back to form with his unapologetic demeanor. Pat is known for his unfiltered takes and is no stranger to ruffling feathers. His widely popular podcast, The Pat McAfee Show, opens with a viewer warning label that his show is for entertainment and comedic purposes, not journalism. But even the man who insists he’s not a journalist has his limits, especially when journalism ethics are ignored by big media houses, and they fail to acknowledge where credit is due.
Wondering what all this is about? Well, George Kittle, the 31-year-old tight end, has signed a four-year extension contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This contract states $19.1 million annual pay, which is slightly more than the second-highest paid tight end. This deal has made George the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. While congratulations poured in for the star, the first to break the news wasn’t NFL insiders; it was Bussin’ With The Boys. A podcast hosted by former players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. But when the NFL’s official social media accounts acknowledged the extension, they quote-tweeted Bussin’ With The Boys and then followed it up with their post sharing the same details without crediting Will and Taylor.
McAfee didn’t let this slide. In an Instagram video, he pointed out the NFL for what he saw as blatant disrespect. He congratulated George but took a dig at the NFL as he mentioned, “The NFL did not give them credit. I believe there were some other people that did not give them credit. Welcome to Thunderdome, They yell at us about journalism, remember that, cuz we are dumb jocks, they’ll yell at us about all the shit. There’s a different set of rules seemingly for them, Will and Taylor.” The Bussin’ Boys call it “b——-“. Theyalso said, “I see the optics, I see on your Twitter,” and claimed that it’s against journalism ethics to follow up on someone’s tweet without crediting. They gave the NFL a 24-hour deadline to “give credit where it is due.”
McAfee was quick to show support for his longtime friend, hinting that when independent creators make a move, the least a big house can do is show respect. Now, coming to the man at the centre of all the buzz, George Kittle himself. Let’s take a look at his big moment.
49ers lock in George Kittle with record-breaking deal
When the San Francisco 49ers selected George Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft, few could have predicted the kind of impact he would go on to make. But as GM John Lynch put it, “We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today.” Now, fast forward to 2025, the thirty-one-year-old signed a four-year contract extension that makes history. He’s inked a new agreement worth $19.1 million annually, the highest ever for a tight end. The contract includes $40M guaranteed, $35 M at signing, and $5M in 2027.
Kittle’s 2024 season was a strong show, showing 78 receptions, 1,106 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He finished 13th in the league in total receiving yards. Beyond the stats, General Manager Lynch praised Kittle’s leadership energy and community involvement, calling him “an outstanding representative for the organisation” who plays with a “great sense of pride in his role”
With a historical deal locked in, the San Francisco 49ers now ensure that one of their tight end cornerstones remains a push for another Super Bowl run.
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