49ers Star George Kittle Details the Family Cancer Diagnosis That Inspired Him to Prioritize His Health (Exclusive)

George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers.Credit: Brooke Sutton/GettyNEED TO KNOWThe San Francisco 49ers tight end partnered with Novartis to encourage men to discuss prostate cancer screenings with their doctorsKittle learned that one in eight men will face prostate cancer during their lifetimeHe says his positive mindset helped him return after a season-ending Achilles injury in JanuaryGeorge Kittle is prioritizing his health and is encouraging others to do the same.Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, the star San Francisco 49ers tight end, 33, opened up about his family’s experience with prostate cancer, notably his grandfather, who was diagnosed 10 years ago before dying of natural causes last year. In the wake of his grandfather’s death, Kittle spoke with his father, Bruce, who inspired him to learn more about prostate cancer and take better care of himself.“I had zero awareness. I had no idea about anything except I was just like, all right, well it’s prostate cancer. I don’t know anything,” says Kittle, an ambassador for Novartis and one of the many NFL athletes who appeared in the company’s “Relax, It’s a Blood Test” campaign earlier this year.George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers.Credit: Brooke Sutton/GettyConsidered the most common cancer in men in the United States (other than skin cancer), prostate cancer will impact at least one in eight men in a lifetime. If detected early, “the five-year relative survival rate is over 99%,” per Novartis.The first step in early detection begins with a conversation with a health care provider to assess personal risk factors, followed by a blood test. “You go in, get blood tested and then you continue to live your life,” says Kittle, adding, “It’s not scary, it’s not intimidating, it’s pretty straightforward.”George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers.Credit: Charley Gallay/GettyThe seven-time Pro Bowler also shared a message to those who might be putting health matters on the back burner.“Relax. It’s a blood test. It’s so easy. Trust me, I get IVs, I get blood tests, I get acupuncture. You can deal with the needle. It’s okay. It’s one little prick, you’re good, and it can save your life. It can save your friend’s life, it could save your dad’s life. Spread the word,” says Kittle.He also made it clear: “I’m not a doctor, but you should talk to your doctor.”Now in his 10th NFL season, Kittle returned to action last month following a crushing Achilles injury during the playoffs in January. Kittle believes a “positive mindset” contributed to a speedy return.George Kittle.Credit: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty“I try to attack everything with a violently positive mindset,” he says. “It doesn’t matter your situation, just attack it as best you can. I’m lucky, I live a life where I can do that. My wife [Claire] loves me, my parents are healthy, I play football for a job. I don’t have a lot to complain about. Okay, I tore my Achilles. All right, well, cool.”Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!Kittle adds, “I know I have great connections. I’ve got great doctors that I know. I have great rehab specialists I know. I’m going to get through this,” he says. “I was allowed to have that positive mindset, and that’s one thing I try to tell everybody. If you can attack with positivity, I think you have a better chance of getting back a little bit faster.”George Kittle and his wife, Claire, share a kiss prior to a 49ers-Seahawks game in January 2026.Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/GettyThrough seven games this season, Kittle has tallied 34 receptions for 425 yards and five touchdowns.The 49ers are currently atop the NFC West at 6-1. They next face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 8.Read the original article on People