Kittle gifts Super Bowl trip to family of fallen soldier
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has gifted Super Bowl tickets to the family of a fallen U.S. soldier in conjunction with the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Sgt. Martin "Mick" LaMar died Jan. 15, 2011, during his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was survived by his wife Josephine (Josie) and her five children.
"The work I do with the USAA and the TAPS organization is something I really have kind of fallen in love with," Kittle said, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "I have a lot of family in the military so it's something that I just respect, and the sacrifice that they give is the ultimate sacrifice.
"So, if I can ever give back and make a family's day or just make them smile a little bit, then I've just done a little part in their lives."
Josie and her 16-year-old son, Nicolas, will make the trip to Miami for Super Bowl LIV, in which the 49ers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
"As I hit the field to play in the Super Bowl, I find comfort in the fact that 49ers fans Josie and Nicolas LaMar will be cheering our team on," Kittle said in a statement. "It's a special privilege to be able to team up with USAA and TAPS to award a trip to the Super Bowl to Sgt. LaMar's family in recognition of his military service and paying the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country."
Super Bowl LIV takes place Feb. 2.