College Basketball

George Kittle and wife Claire cheer on Caitlin Clark during Iowa’s win over West Virginia

George Kittle and wife Claire enjoyed a date night Monday at the place where their love story began.

The couple took in Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes’ second-round victory over West Virginia in the women’s NCAA Tournament in Iowa City, Iowa, where they originally met as freshmen at the University of Iowa.

“Happy March madness @gkittle,” Claire wrote in an Instagram Story on Monday. “Thanks for going home with me.”

George Kittle and wife Claire ahead of their Hawkeyes date night in March 2024. Claire Kittle/Instagram
The Kittles posed for a photo with Iowa star Caitlin Clark. George Kittle/Instagram

Kittle, who played for the Hawkeyes’ football team, waved to fans inside the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where he watched Iowa’s 64-54 victory with Claire, a former member of the women’s basketball team.

In a separate photo posted on Kittle’s Instagram Story, the star 49ers tight end could be seen rocking a jersey with Claire’s maiden name, Till, as the pair posed for a photo with Clark, 22.

“Back in Carver!” Kittle, 30, captioned the post, tagging both Claire and Clark’s Instagram handles.

Monday’s contest marked Clark’s final home game, where she posted 32 points and eight rebounds to help the top-seeded Iowa advance to the Sweet 16.

“I would have never left the court if I wasn’t forced to get off,” Clark said. “I think the biggest thing is just thank you [to the fans]. I’m forever grateful.”

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes the ball against West Virginia on March 25, 2024. Getty Images
Monday’s game marked Caitlin Clark’s final home contest. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The second-round matchup between Iowa and No. 8 West Virginia wasn’t without controversy, however, as some college basketball fans expressed disappointment in the officiating; West Virginia was called for 27 personal fouls versus Iowa’s 11.

“I feel like West Virginia women’s team getting did bad by these refs,” Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard wrote on X.

Iowa will now travel to Albany to face No. 5 Colorado on Saturday.

George Kittle and wife Claire embrace during their March Madness date. Claire Kittle/Instagram

No matter where the Kittles are stationed this weekend, they’ll likely be cheering on Iowa as the Hawkeyes pursue a Final Four berth.

Kittle and Claire are currently enjoying the offseason following a thrilling postseason ride.

The 49ers advanced to Super Bowl 2024 in February to take on the reigning champion Chiefs.

Claire and George Kittle kiss before Super Bowl 2024 in February 2024. Getty Images
George Kittle (85) in action against the Chiefs in Super Bowl 2024. AP

Although San Francisco held a 10-3 lead at halftime, Kansas City pulled ahead in overtime, 25-22.

“This season brought on every emotion one can feel. I found myself more emotional week to week game to game than I have ever been in my life. I think everything just hit me all at once this year… the gratitude, happiness, admiration, joy, love. Just how proud I am of you G,” Claire wrote on Instagram in February.

“… We are thankful, happy, sad, upset, excited, appreciative & disappointed but not discouraged!!! There’s so much to look forward to. Thank you year 7.”

Kittle was originally selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He and Claire wed two years later.