George Kittle had something to get off his chest, and he did it with a smile, but the message was clear. While over 70 tight ends gathered for the annual Tight End University in Nashville, one familiar face was missing.

Arriving as a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, George Kittle was never expected to be an NFL star. Yet, that’s exactly what the six-time Pro Bowl tight end has developed into, despite 145 other players being drafted ahead of him.

Niners star George Kittle's status as one of the most productive offensive players in the league is what helped him earn a four-year $76.4 million deal this offseason ... making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.