Full Breakdown
George Kittle Trolls Ricky Pearsall After Iowa's NCAA Tournament Upset
3/24/2026, 8:57:14 AM
Dramatic Upset in March Madness
On March 23, 2026, the University of Iowa achieved a stunning upset in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament by defeating the University of Florida 73-72. The game, held at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, featured a last-second three-pointer by Alvaro Folgueiras, propelling Iowa into the Sweet 16 round. This victory was particularly significant as Iowa entered the match as a 10.5-point underdog.
Kittle's Social Media Jabs
Following the game, George Kittle, a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers and an Iowa alumnus, took to Instagram to celebrate the victory and poke fun at his teammate Ricky Pearsall, a former Florida player. Kittle shared a message on his Instagram Stories, tagging Pearsall with a simple, “Haha @ricky.pearsall. Go hawks.” He further amplified his trolling by posting a meme featuring Adam Sandler's character from "Happy Gilmore" defeating a gator, captioned with “Ope, sorry.”
When Pearsall reminded Kittle that Florida had won the national championship the previous year, Kittle responded, “I get to troll for at least a year. I’m good.” This playful exchange highlights the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the 49ers locker room, particularly among teammates with ties to rival college programs.
Upcoming Challenges
As Iowa prepares for its next challenge against Nebraska in the Sweet 16, Kittle's lighthearted banter with Pearsall serves as a reminder of the friendly rivalries that often exist among athletes from different schools. The upcoming game on Thursday will likely keep Kittle and his fellow teammates engaged in their ongoing collegiate rivalries.
Criticism & Opposition
While Kittle's playful trolling may be seen as harmless fun, it could also be perceived as unsportsmanlike by some, particularly fans of the Florida Gators. The back-and-forth between Kittle and Pearsall illustrates the competitive nature of college sports and the pride athletes take in their alma maters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Haha @ricky.pearsall,” — George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers Tight End
- “I get to troll for at least a year,” — George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers Tight End
This incident not only showcases Kittle's enthusiasm for his college team but also reflects the broader dynamics of sportsmanship and rivalry that characterize March Madness.
