Brock Purdy Loses Bet to George Kittle and Wears Iowa Gear

After Iowa State fell to Iowa in a 16‑13 contest, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy honored a bet with teammate George Kittle by wearing Iowa Hawkeyes gear in front of reporters. The playful challenge, part of a long‑standing rivalry tradition, highlighted the camaraderie between the two…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:56:20 GMT

When the Iowa State Cyclones were edged by the Iowa Hawkeyes 16‑13 on Saturday, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy found himself in the middle of a light‑hearted wager that had become a tradition whenever the two college teams face off. The bet, a friendly challenge between Purdy and 49ers tight end George Kittle, required the loser to don the opposing team’s apparel during a press event. This time, Purdy was the one who had to wear the Hawkeye gear, a moment that drew laughter and a few playful jabs from his teammates.

What Happened?

Following the Cyclones’ defeat, Purdy stepped out of a 16‑hour flight back to San Francisco and immediately headed to a press conference. He was seen sporting a yellow Iowa hat and a grey long‑sleeve shirt emblazoned with the Hawkeye logo. When reporters asked about the new wardrobe, Purdy quipped, "Any Hawkeye logo looks ugly to me. It sucks." The comment, while tongue‑in‑cheek, underscored the playful nature of the bet and the camaraderie between the two players.

Background of the Bet

The wager is part of a long‑standing tradition that has become a staple whenever Iowa State and Iowa meet. Over the past few seasons, the rivalry has produced several memorable moments, but the bet has become a highlight for fans and teammates alike. Purdy, who was selected by the 49ers with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a key figure for the team, while Kittle has been a reliable target and a fan favorite.

In 2022, the Cyclones finished with a 3‑2 record against the Hawkeyes, with Iowa State winning the last game 16‑13. The following year, Iowa won 20‑13. The bet has now seen Purdy on the losing end for the first time, adding a new chapter to the tradition.

How the Bet Played Out

During the press conference, Purdy’s Iowa hat and shirt were the center of attention. He admitted that the gear was uncomfortable, noting that the headpiece "sucked" and that walking in with it was rough. Despite the discomfort, Purdy kept the mood light, comparing his experience to Kittle’s past antics, such as wearing overalls and a cowboy hat to a game.

Kittle amplified the moment by taking a selfie with Purdy in the 49ers locker room and posting it on his Instagram story. The post read, "@brock.purdy13 big Hawkeye fan!", which sparked a wave of comments from fans who appreciated the playful rivalry.

What Happens Next?

While the bet was a one‑off event tied to the college game, it highlighted the strong bond between Purdy and Kittle. Both players have expressed that they enjoy these light‑hearted moments, which help build team chemistry. The 49ers will continue to focus on their upcoming games, while Purdy and Kittle will likely keep the tradition alive for future matchups between Iowa State and Iowa.

Key facts

• Purdy lost a bet with Kittle after Iowa State’s loss to Iowa
• He wore Iowa Hawkeye gear at a press conference
• The bet is part of a tradition between the two college teams
• Kittle shared the moment on Instagram
• The event highlights 49ers’ team camaraderie

Why it matters

The story showcases the light‑hearted side of professional athletes, reinforcing team bonds and offering fans a relatable glimpse into player personalities.

Frequently asked questions

What was the bet about?

The bet required the loser to wear the opposing college’s apparel during a press event.

Who won the bet?

Brock Purdy lost the bet and wore Iowa Hawkeye gear.

How did the 49ers react?

The team embraced the playful moment, with Kittle posting a selfie on Instagram.

Will this happen again?

The tradition is likely to continue whenever Iowa State and Iowa play.

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Brock Purdy comes up short in hilarious bet with George Kittle”