49ers’ George Kittle Comically Predicted Brilliant Comeback Before Halftime of NFC Championship

The Lions had them in the first half.

The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a thrilling comeback against the Detroit Lions in the NFC championship on Sunday, erasing a 17-point deficit to win 34–31 and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.

After mounting their historic comeback, 49ers tight end George Kittle had a bit of fun on the stage while celebrating, telling the assembled crowd, “They had us in the first half, not gonna lie”—a reference to a popular meme.

As it turns out, the comment was a part of Kittle’s plan as soon as the 49ers went down big, and proved that the tight end always believed in his team, even at their lowest point.

Things looked most dire for the 49ers after the Lions jumped out to a 24–7 lead before halftime. But while the majority of the NFL world was busy writing San Francisco’s obituary, Kittle was as confident as ever that his team would come through.

“I can’t wait, at the end of the game, I’m going to say ‘They had us in the first half, not gonna lie,’” Kittle told his teammates on the sidelines when the mood was understandably poor. He repeated the line to quarterback Brock Purdy.

NFL Films captured it all.

"I can't wait to say 'they had us in the first half."'

Back in the second quarter, @gkittle46 spoke a comeback into existence 🤞 @49ers pic.twitter.com/NU8kFCnnXB

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 30, 2024

Kittle’s faith was rewarded as San Francisco stormed back in the second half, leading to the moment the tight end was on stage to make good on his promise.

The 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.