From Norman High School to an NFL gameday at Lambeau Field, tight end George Kittle and SSgt. Brandon Minto KC-46 Instructor Boom Operator's friendship is proof that the bond between teammates can last far beyond your playing days.
"The People's Tight End" reunited with his former high school teammate immediately following the San Francisco 49ers Week 12 matchup versus the Green Bay Packers.
"I was telling everyone, 'Hey, that's my buddy!'" Kittle said as the duo reunited outside the 49ers locker room. "That was sick."
He also made sure to tell 49ers staff on the sidelines about his special connection to the flyover that took place.
"You know what the cool thing is? The flyover, my high school teammate was doing the flyover, from Oklahoma," Kittle said to head strength and conditioning coach Dustin Perry.
The pair didn't have a chance to meet pregame because Minto was up in the air - literally - as part of the military flyover for the Packers Salute to Service game. He serves with the 97th Air Mobility Wing based out of Altus, Oklahoma and worked on the crew of the KC-46 U.S. Air Force plane gliding through the sky prior to kickoff.
"I see you, Minto!" Kittle said as he tapped his heart and pointed to the sky during the flyover. "That was excellent!"
When Minto got the assignment for the 49ers-Packers contest, he made sure to contact his high school teammate right away.
"Just a random message came out, saying we're going to do a flyover for the Packers-Niners game," Minto said. "And, I was like, 'Yes! I'm going to message George, real quick.' Immediately (I was like), 'I'm going to do the Niners flyover.'"
During their Norman High School days, both Kittle and Minto were part of the wide receiver corps for the Tigers. Kittle also played defensive back, and Minto was quick to remind him of their times on the football field.
"I was telling everyone that back in high school, there was one time I remember, I mossed you," Minto said jokingly. "One time in high school, it wasn't really mossed. You were playing safety, and I caught it. You tried to come over the top of me, but I still caught it. I still always talk about it."
Before their exchange concluded, Minto gave Kittle the distinction of honorary boom operator and presented him with a 56 Air Refueling Squadron patch and boom operator coin. They also took a few pictures to remember their reunion.
"Tell the boys I said 'What's up!' and 'That was a hell of a flyover,'" Kittle said as they were saying their goodbyes. "Love you man. Great to see you brother."
Kittle's Dedication to Honoring the Military
Kittle is the 49ers' nominee for the 2024 Salute to Service Award which recognizes players, coaches, staff and alumni with demonstrable commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities.
The Faithful can vote for Kittle through November 30 to earn the 2024 Salute to Service Award. The online voting will help determine the three finalists for the honor. To submit your vote, visit nfl.com/causes/salute/nominees/2024/vote. One vote per day, per fan is permitted. The finalists will be announced in January.
