Why 49ers George Kittle was gifted retired Army veterans military uniform NBC Sports Bay Area & California [Video]

George Kittle is the 49ers’ NFL Salute to Service Award finalist for all that he gives back to the men and women of the Armed Forces, but last Sunday in Jacksonville, a veteran decided to return the favor to the All-Pro tight end.

Christopher Kleinsorge brought a gift to EverBank Stadium for Kittle, and managed to grab the attention of his wife, Claire, on the sideline before the 49ers’ win over the Jaguars. After a brief conversation, the Army veteran handed Claire Kittle three items, including a uniform piece he had worn while serving in Afghanistan 15 years ago.

“I wanted to give him something that really means something,” Kleinsorge told NBC Sports Bay Area. “I didn’t want to just present him with a certificate of appreciation. I wanted it to really be meaningful, and have meaning to him. So, why not something that I wore in Afghanistan?”

Kleinsorge, 43, grew up in Santa Rosa, and his wife, Christine, spent her …