April 17, 2018
2017-18 Season
George left for California last Friday to start his second season of OTA workouts with the 49ers. The past couple days I’ve been reminiscing on last season and how blessed we were to land in Santa Clara. I thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight some of my favorite moments from his rookie season.
First of all let me just say that the entire year was a complete trial run and we had no idea what to expect. I swear we woke up each day learning something new. But that’s okay! That’s what makes this crazy life fun! No two days are ever the same. George earned a unique opportunity last season, being drafted in the 5th round, the 9th tight end taken and later becoming an impact player for the 49ers offense. There’s something to be said about being placed on a team with the most rookies in the NFL. You’re able to mesh a little better I think than some teams who have developed a kind of hierarchy between veterans and rookies. Don’t get me wrong we definitely had our veteran players who were leaders, but they did it in the right way. Making the younger ones step up to the plate and perform to the best of their abilities. George often got asked the question, “What is the locker room like after a loss?” Because they started the season off 0-9. He would always respond with something along the lines of the locker room is fine, no one points fingers, we all just own up and know what we have to get better at the following week. They truly got better each and every week and by game 10 & 11 they were an entirely different team and it was so fun to watch! I think that’s a prime example of sticking to the game plan, everyone buying in and doing their part for the good of the organization. It makes me so excited for this season!
You always hear the horror stories of the NFL, guys being tossed around from team to team trying to find the perfect fit for their ability. That’s why I say we were truly blessed to have found a “perfect fit” for George right off the bat. The offense is similar to one he ran in college and it compliments his athletic abilities wonderfully. He landed on a team with amazing coaches and staff that he truly thinks the world of. It’s amazing what an athlete can accomplish when he/she is surrounded by such positivity and the right soil to let them grow naturally! George completed the season with 43 receptions for 515 yards and 2 touchdowns. In history, no tight end drafted after the fourth round has posted more catches or receiving yards in their rookie season. That’s pretty damn cool. His 100-yard receiving day in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams was the first by a 49ers rookie tight end since 1960. ARTICLE
His first touchdown was at Indianapolis vs. the Colts in week 5. George had 7 receptions for 83 yds in their 23-26 loss, the most receptions he had in a game all season.
Georges cousin Henry. Indianapolis Colts Tight End #83
His second touchdown followed in week 16 vs. the Jaguars at home. Niners win 44-33.
Georges first 100 yard game in week 17 in Los Angeles vs. the Rams. Niners win 34-13 to wrap up the 2016-17 season.
Georges cousin Henry, tight end now on the LA Rams
He was chomping at the bit to get back to California to start workouts. This kid sure does love football. He has worked so hard this offseason getting faster, stronger and healthy! I cannot wait for you to see the type of player he will be in 2018.
Thank you 49er Faithful for making our first NFL experience so great! Keep rooting for this guy next season, he can’t wait!
Xx Lettey
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