George Kittle showed up ready to make an impact for the 49ers against the Cowboys on Sunday night, and his stat line proved it after San Francisco routed Dallas, 42-10. But Kittle also showed up fully prepared to throw shade at the Cowboys without saying a word. He revealed as much on Instagram on Monday morning in a post about turning 30.
The NSFW Message Heard ‘Round the NFL
Kittle posted a photo of himself celebrating a touchdown Sunday night. The star tight end was pictured lifting his jersey to reveal a gray undershirt bearing an NSFW message for the Cowboys: “Fuck Dallas.” The image quickly went viral and sparked controversy among fans and pundits alike.
#49ers TE George Kittle wore a “F*CK DALLAS” shirt under his jersey the entire game as he wrecked the #Cowboys defense for 3 TUDDYS 😤😤
(h/t @49ersKyle) pic.twitter.com/vBEAXAXIiA
— Alex Tran (@nineralex) October 9, 2023
Kittle’s performance on the field was equally attention-grabbing. He recorded three catches Sunday night, with all three resulting in touchdowns. His final stat line: three catches on four targets, 67 yards, three touchdowns. It was an extraordinary display of skill and dominance that left the Cowboys stunned.
The Rivalry Rekindled
The 49ers moved to 5-0 on the season, while Dallas is left looking for answers after falling to 3-2. San Francisco plays at the Browns next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and Dallas plays at the Chargers next Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET. The victory, coupled with Kittle’s bold statement, only added fuel to the fiery rivalry between the two teams.
Roger Goodell may have an aneurysm when he sees George Kittle wore a Fuck Dallas shirt last night
pic.twitter.com/X31u6y3hvO— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 9, 2023
George Kittle had previously downplayed the rivalry between the 49ers and the Cowboys, stating, “I don’t really have any animosity toward anybody.” However, his choice of attire spoke volumes about his feelings on the matter. Kittle’s “Fuck Dallas” shirt left no room for interpretation. It was a clear message to both the Cowboys and their fans.
Kittle’s NSFW Wardrobe Choice
George Kittle’s decision to reveal the NSFW undershirt during the game was intriguing, especially considering he had already scored three touchdowns earlier in the match. It seemed as though he was waiting for the perfect moment to make his statement, and he did so following a 26-yard touchdown run by 49ers running back Jordan Mason.
Micah Parsons says that George Kittle made things personal with his “f—k Dallas” shirt 👀
“Imma say this… laugh now, cry later. We got something for that. If we see them again, just trust.”
(🎥: @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/H3WzXd6fPU
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 9, 2023
In a subsequent interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Kittle jokingly distanced himself from the wardrobe choice, saying, “That (shirt) was just on my loop, man. I put it on, was just wearing a T-shirt at the game. I don’t know how (Fuck Dallas) got on there.” He went on to mention former linebacker Gary Plummer, who famously wore a similar shirt during the ’94 NFC Championship Game against Dallas, as a potential source of inspiration.
A Lasting Impression
Kittle and the 49ers certainly got the last laugh against the Cowboys on Sunday, marking their third consecutive win over their rival. This victory, coupled with Kittle’s bold fashion statement, is sure to keep the rivalry alive and well.
As the NFL season progresses, it will be interesting to see if this incident sparks more animosity between the two sides, especially if they end up clashing in the postseason for a third straight year. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: San Francisco is currently a football juggernaut, and it’s worth wondering when, or if, any NFL team will be able to challenge their dominance. The “Fuck Dallas” shirt may have been NSFW, but it certainly made a statement that will be remembered for a long time in the world of sports.