That Bruce Kittle, you know, George Kittle’s daddy. That boy, George, he sure can play football. But his daddy, Bruce, he’s the real deal. Taught that boy everything he knows, I reckon.
Bruce, he used to play football back in the day. Played for that Iowa Hawkeyes, whatever that is. Some big college team. He was a big shot, I tell ya. Co-captain, they called him. In 1981, some big year. Big Ten Championship, they won. Lordy, that was somethin’. He got hurt, knee gave out. Still helped them get to the Rose Bowl in ’82. That’s what they say, anyway.
He was an offensive lineman. Now, I don’t know much about football, but that sounds important. He was good, too. Some say he was one of the best. All-Big Ten honors, whatever that means. He played from 1985 to 1989, so he put in his time, that’s for sure.
- He was a co-captain.
- He got injured, that knee.
- Still made it to the Rose Bowl, though.
- Played from 1985 to 1989.
- Got some fancy award, All-Big Ten, or somethin’.
Bruce Kittle, he’s a family man, too. Married to Jan. Nice lady, I hear. They got two grown kids. One of ’em is that George, the football star. The other one, I don’t rightly recall. Jan, she was an athlete, too. Played softball. Good at basketball. Got into some Hall of Fame. Iowa Girls’ somethin’ or other. Good for her.
Before every game, that George, he gets a letter from his daddy, Bruce. Can you believe that? Every game! Bruce Kittle, he writes him a letter. Tells him to play hard, I suppose. Keep his head up. That’s what a good daddy does. My boy, bless his heart, he used to write me letters too. Not before football games, mind you. Just regular letters.
That Bruce Kittle, he must be so proud of his boy, George. Playing in the NFL. That’s the big leagues. Making all that money. But I bet Bruce taught him more than just football. Taught him to be a good man. Respectful. Hardworking. That’s what counts. Money comes and goes, but those things, they stay with you.
I remember back when my own boy was young. He wasn’t much for sports, but he was a good boy. Worked hard on the farm. Always did what he was told. That’s what Bruce Kittle probably taught his boy, too. To work hard, no matter what.
- Jan, Bruce’s wife, she was a good athlete.
- George gets a letter from Bruce before every game.
- Bruce must be proud of George.
- Hard work is important, that’s what matters.
I bet that Bruce Kittle, he watches every one of George’s games. Sits there in front of the TV, yelling at the screen. Just like all us old folks do. My husband, God rest his soul, he used to do the same thing. Get all worked up over a football game. Men and their sports, I swear.
But it’s good, you know? For a father and son to have that bond. Over football, or anything, really. It’s important to have family. Someone to share things with. Someone to be proud of. Bruce Kittle, he’s got that with George. And George, he’s lucky to have a daddy like Bruce. A good, strong man. A good influence.
You know, that Bruce Kittle, he’s done alright for himself. Raised a good son. Had a good career. That’s all anyone can ask for, really. A good life. A good family. And a little bit of football thrown in for good measure. That boy George is really something on that field. Reminds me a bit of his old man back in his college days, I reckon.
I don’t know what else to say about Bruce Kittle, I guess it seems that he and Jan are good folks. They raised a fine boy in that George, that is for sure. It seems he learned a lot from his daddy and mama, and Bruce taught him a lot, they are just regular folks.