49ers TE George Kittle Praises Owner Jed York's Player Investment in Luring Mike Evans

Kittle highlighted the team's commitment to player amenities and wellness as key factors in Evans' decision to join San Francisco.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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NFL veteran Mike Evans recently signed with the San Francisco 49ers after 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 49ers tight end George Kittle revealed how he sold Evans on joining the 49ers, crediting owner Jed York for the organization's commitment to investing in player resources and wellness programs.

Why it matters

The 49ers' focus on player care and facilities is seen as a competitive advantage in attracting top free agent talent like Evans, who is looking to extend his career after tying an NFL record for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

The details

Kittle highlighted the 49ers' extensive player amenities, including 24/7 access to the team kitchen, a full-time nutritionist, and twice-weekly 'health days' where players can receive treatments like acupuncture and massages. Kittle also noted the team provides 30 lay-down beds for starters when traveling, which is important given the 49ers' expected 38,000 miles of travel in 2026.

  • Mike Evans signed with the 49ers on March 16, 2026.
  • The 49ers are expected to travel over 38,000 miles during the 2026 NFL season.

The players

George Kittle

A tight end for the San Francisco 49ers who helped recruit Mike Evans to join the team.

Mike Evans

A 12-year NFL veteran wide receiver who recently signed with the San Francisco 49ers after spending his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jed York

The owner of the San Francisco 49ers, who Kittle credited for the organization's commitment to investing in player resources and wellness programs.

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What they’re saying

“One of the biggest things I said [to Evans] is that the Niners organization put so much money back into the players, and how they take care of us, how we travel, how our facility is run.”

— George Kittle, 49ers Tight End (Bussin' With The Boys)

“There are teams that are, like, 'The kitchen's closed at noon on Thursday — you guys are on your own.' That doesn't make any sense. Our kitchen is open all the time. We have a nutritionist who's full-time. There are teams that have a part-time nutritionist. How does that make sense?... Our owner (Jed York) does everything he can to put money back into the team.”

— George Kittle, 49ers Tight End (Bussin' With The Boys)

What’s next

The 49ers will look to integrate Mike Evans into their offense as they aim to build on their success and make a deep playoff run in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The 49ers' commitment to player care and wellness, driven by owner Jed York, has become a key competitive advantage in attracting top free agent talent like Mike Evans, who values being in an environment that prioritizes his long-term health and performance.