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George Kittle Praises Caitlin Clark’s Grace and Competitiveness as Fellow Iowa Alum

George Kittle and Caitlin Clark share an important connection as proud alumni of the University of Iowa. Kittle left the university in 2017 to forge a successful career in the NFL, while Clark became the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

The two athletes have crossed paths before, reminiscing about their shared Hawkeye experiences. Recently, during an appearance discussing the upcoming American Century Classic golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Kittle spoke highly of Clark, lauding her character and competitive spirit.

In a recent interview, Kittle expressed his admiration for Clark, stating, “Caitlin’s a dog. She couldn’t be any nicer of a person. And she is just always nice, takes her time for everybody. I think when you go from being a college student to being one of the most popular people on the planet, I think she handles it incredibly well.” He emphasized her status as an exceptional competitor.

When discussing the treatment Clark receives on the court, including some tough fouls and apparent jealousy from opponents, Kittle acknowledged her resilience. He noted, “She handles whatever is thrown her way incredibly well and with the highest grace.” Kittle’s pride in her accomplishments was evident as he stated, “Just always proud of her and proud to say that she’s a Hawkeye.”

Kittle is set to participate in the upcoming golf tournament, sharing that despite being an underdog, his excitement is building, and his anxiety is at an all-time high.

Reflecting on his first interaction with Clark, Kittle recalled, “We were hanging out in the training room after the game just to get away from the crowd a little bit. She comes in, hugs all the athletic trainers, talks to everybody, talks to us a little bit, and you just see how much people care for her. She has this incredible reputation that she’s built day in and day out. So, she’s done that, and I’m just so excited for her.”

He further articulated Clark’s dual nature, saying, “You see how she is on the court. She has this competitiveness. She’s got this fire in her. But as soon as she gets off the court, there’s this flip of the switch. She’s just Caitlin Clark. To be able to go back and forth between all that, you have to be very good to be able to do that, and she does that flawlessly.”

Kittle’s strong endorsement of Clark highlights the respect and admiration within the athletic community for her accomplishments and character. As both athletes continue to represent the University of Iowa, their journeys underscore the impact they have on their respective sports and the legacy they are building as ambassadors of their alma mater.

As the sports world watches Clark’s debut in the WNBA and Kittle’s participation in the golf tournament, their stories resonate beyond the field and court, inspiring young athletes everywhere to strive for greatness while maintaining integrity and grace.