George Kittle's Journey into the Grateful Dead Community: A Podcast Episode with Big Cat
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently launched a podcast and dedicated a significant portion of the second episode to discussing his newfound love for the Grateful Dead with Barstool Sports' Big Cat. Kittle's interest in the iconic band was sparked during a Dead & Company concert at Sphere, where he attended with his 49ers teammates. Big Cat, an experienced podcaster, joined Kittle on his podcast to guide him and his wife Claire through the podcasting process. Kittle, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, has embraced new hobbies during his time off the field, including exploring the music of the Grateful Dead.
Kittle's introduction to the Grateful Dead community at the concert left a lasting impression on him. He shared a heartwarming encounter with fellow Deadheads at a casino after the show, highlighting the welcoming and inclusive nature of the fan base. Inspired by his initial experience, Kittle brought Claire to another Dead show, where he discovered the unique and captivating atmosphere that sets each concert apart.
Since attending his first Dead show, Kittle has fully immersed himself in the band's music and culture. His wardrobe choices now reflect his love for the Grateful Dead, and he has even started listening to Dead playlists in his car. Despite some resistance from his teammates in the weight room, Kittle and fellow Deadhead Nick Bosa enjoy listening to the band's music together. The Grateful Dead's timeless music has become a constant source of joy and inspiration for Kittle, who appreciates the band's rich history and diverse musical catalog.
To celebrate their shared love for the Grateful Dead, Kittle, Big Cat, and Claire staged a mock draft to select artists they would like to see perform with Dead & Company at Sphere. The draft featured a mix of living, dead, and fictional artists, showcasing the trio's creativity and musical preferences. While Kittle opted for iconic musicians like Carlos Santana, Claire and Big Cat made some unexpected and entertaining picks, adding a fun twist to the fantasy draft.
Overall, Kittle's passion for the Grateful Dead shines through in his podcast episode with Big Cat, demonstrating his deep connection to the band's music and community. Despite his injury setback, Kittle's enthusiasm for exploring new interests and sharing his love for the Grateful Dead with others is evident, making his podcast a must-listen for fans of both football and music.