George Kittle Backs Shanahan and Lynch Amid Aiyuk's Outcry

WHO:

NY Post - Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers

Sportskeeda - George Kittle, Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, Brandon Aiyuk

WHAT:

NY Post - Brandon Aiyuk has refused to work with the 49ers and has been vocal about his discontent on social media.

Sportskeeda - George Kittle defended Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch amid Aiyuk's public outcry.

WHEN:

Sportskeeda - Kittle, Shanahan, and Lynch have worked together since 2017.

WHY:

NY Post - Aiyuk's actions are described as an "unrelenting thorn" in the side of the 49ers organization.

HOW:

Sportskeeda - Kittle stated that "teammates have tried" to address the situation regarding Aiyuk's public outburst.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 21:20 UTC)

Brandon Aiyuk has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the San Francisco 49ers, refusing to work with the team and calling himself an "unrelenting thorn" in their side. In response to Aiyuk's outcry, George Kittle has come to the defense of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, highlighting that teammates have attempted to address the situation. Kittle, Shanahan, and Lynch have been collaborating since 2017, navigating the ups and downs of team dynamics together.