San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had the line of the day after the team’s win over the Tennessee Titans, and it was aimed directly at quarterback Brock Purdy.
Asked about Purdy taking off on a scramble, Kittle didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely not, he’s Jesus Christ lizard running on water,” Kittle said, before joking that Purdy’s ball security and fake-pitch flourish was “absolutely just diabolical behavior by QB1.” He added one very Kittle-like request: “Just don’t take a hit.”
It was funny, sure. But it also sounded like a veteran teammate appreciating the edge Purdy is playing with as the 49ers push through the most important part of their season.
Kittle’s Purdy Quote Goes Viral for a Reason
Kittle’s description wasn’t a generic “he’s a great player” compliment. It was specific — and it painted a picture of a quarterback who’s improvising with confidence and having fun doing it.
In the middle of his answer, Kittle referenced Purdy’s flair on the run — “no ball security” and “fake pitching at the end of a 40-yard run” — and then landed the punch line: “Diabolical behavior by QB1.”
That kind of quote hits because it matches what fans see: when Purdy is decisive and playing fast, the 49ers’ offense looks different. It’s not just the play call. It’s the tempo, the swagger, the willingness to take what’s there and keep moving.
And Kittle’s final note — essentially, “do your thing, but please slide” — also says what teammates are thinking when their quarterback turns into a runner in December.
“He’s that Jesus Christ lizard. Running on water. No ball security. Fake pitching at the end of a 40-yard run. Absolutely just diabolical behavior by our QB1. I love it.” 😅
What It Means for the 49ers Offense Moving Forward
The 49ers aren’t hiding what time of year it is. Kittle made it clear the team’s mindset is locked in on January.
“We’re fighting for a playoff spot,” Kittle said. “Every game from this moment on is a huge game for us… I want to play games in January, and the only way to do that is to beat every single team.”
That’s the broader context around the “lizard running on water” joke: it’s a team that believes it can stack wins, and an offense that knows it has to keep scoring, especially when injuries and in-season turbulence test the roster.
Kittle also acknowledged there’s still another level for the unit to hit, even after putting points on the board early.
If Purdy is playing with the kind of confidence that makes teammates break into comedy bits at the podium, it’s usually a good sign that the offense is in a good place.
Stats, Schedule & Context for the 49ers
The “Jesus Christ lizard” line came after the 49ers beat the Tennessee Titans 37-24 on Sunday, December 14, 2025 (Week 15) at Levi’s Stadium, their fourth straight win.
- Brock Purdy: 23-of-30, 295 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, plus 44 rushing yards.
- George Kittle: 8 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD.
- Christian McCaffrey: 73 rushing yards, 1 TD.
- Ricky Pearsall: team-high 96 receiving yards.
- Team totals: San Francisco outgained Tennessee 430-306 and led 17-10 at halftime.
What’s next:
- Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts — Monday, December 22, 2025 (8:15 p.m. ET).
- Week 17: vs Chicago Bears — Sunday, December 28, 2025 (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock).
- Week 18: vs Seattle Seahawks — TBD (flex timing)
49ers’ George Kittle Goes Viral After Making His Feelings Clear on Brock Purdy