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Barkley Warns Kittle, NFL Star Declines Pickleball, Returns Week 1

8/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Charles Barkley warned NFL tight end George Kittle about pickleball injuries on a 2025 podcast.
Kittle said he will never play pickleball and will stick to golf.
A 2026 JOSPT Open study found 69% of players have at least one injury and 39% report upper-extremity injuries.
Kittle, recovering from an Achilles tear, is slated to return in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

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Story summary

Charles Barkley warned NFL tight end George Kittle about pickleball injuries on a 2025 podcast.
Kittle said he will never play pickleball and will stick to golf.
A 2026 JOSPT Open study found 69% of players have at least one injury and 39% report upper-extremity injuries.
Kittle, recovering from an Achilles tear, is slated to return in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.