via BroBible
Before the 49ers battled the Cowboys on on Sunday Night, DirecTV transformed the parking lot of the Hilton next to Levi’s Stadium into a tailgating mecca. Front and center? A giant inflatable George Kittle head—bald, proud, and keeping a fierce eye over the fans, like some mystical tailgate deity overseeing the faithful.
You couldn’t miss it. Looming large over the festivities and greeting 49ers fans to Santa Clara as they settled into their park spots, it almost felt like Kittle’s inflatable head was silently judging our choice of tailgate snacks. At one point, I swear it was giving me side-eye, like it knew I went for a second helping of wings.
Or snickering at me for dribbling some wing sauce on my shirt.
You get the gist. Spirits were high. It was Sunday Funday, after all.
Part of DirecTV’s “Nothing On Your Roof” campaign, this free-for-fans spectacle dialed up the fan experience, making one thing clear—no satellite dish needed. And George Kittle? He rocked his luscious locks and monk-inspired bald head in a way only he could. Nothing on his roof, right? Call it a haircut that’s one part Zen master, two parts bar bouncer, and just enough lettuce to keep it interesting and make a lacrosse player jealous.
But for real, the man’s flow is enviable:
Inside the tailgate, fans were treated to game-day grub, a satellite-free sports shed for uninterrupted viewing (because real fans don’t buffer), and surprise appearances by 49ers icons Frank Gore and Jerry Rice. It was the ultimate football sanctuary, built for those who take their Sundays seriously—or as seriously as you can take a day where a bald inflatable Kittle is MCing the tailgate.
Amid the high energy of DirecTV’s “Nothing On Your Roof” tailgate, with fans milling under the giant Kittle head’s watchful gaze, newly inducted 49ers Hall of Famer Frank Gore sat down with BroBible to talk shop. Fresh off his recognition as the 31st member of the 49ers Hall of Fame—a fitting accolade for his 16-season grind to 16,000 rushing yards and 81 touchdowns—Gore didn’t hold back on his pick for the league’s top running back: Saquon Barkley.
Read what this running back legend had to say about Saquon here.
And then, like a proud dad at a high school reunion, Gore couldn’t resist hyping his Miami Hurricanes when I asked him about how he felt about Miami’s win over Florida State: “8 and 0, baby!” he said, throwing up the signature “U” sign. “We’re getting back on track to how it was. They’re starting to play like we played back in the day. Gotta throw it up now!” (Apparently, no inflatable head was needed to keep those Miami vibes strong.)
Here. See it for yourself:
When it came to the energy of the event, Gore was all in: “Oh man, the vibe is great. 49ers fans? They’re the greatest. All over the world. I’m happy to be part of what DirecTV’s doing here. They did it right. Let’s get this win today—49ers all day!” It was a thumbs-up from Gore that felt like getting your dad’s approval on a slightly risky tattoo idea.
Kittle’s missing locks were more than a cosmetic change—it’s DirecTV’s way of saying their service is 100% dish-free. And Kittle’s stat line that night? 128 yards, six catches, and a touchdown—fueled, perhaps, by little less on top in the DirecTV spot and a lot more fire underneath.
The 49ers? They pulled off a 30-24 victory, while DirecTV’s inflatable masterpiece stole the pre-game.
Maybe a the big, bald-ish George Kittle inflatable had superpowers and inspired greatness among a team that’s been battling injuries. After all, when it comes to Kittle—and DirecTV—less on top means more on the field, where it counts.