# NFL free agency: Wife of 49ers star devastated after news of Kyle Juszczyk release: 'Just rip out our hearts'

Claire Kittle was a close friend of Juszczyk and his wife, Kristin


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Published March 11, 2025 8:41am EDT

The opening day of  began with some shocking moves and key additions.

For the , the biggest shocker was the news that the organization had informed nine-time Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk of their intentions to release him before the start of the league year on Wednesday.



San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, #44, talks with running back Christian McCaffrey, #23, on the sideline during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium on Sept. 9, 2024. (David Gonzales-Imagn Images)

ESPN first reported the news on Monday.





San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, #85, celebrates with fullback Kyle Juszczyk, #44, after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on Oct. 8, 2023. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

"Day one juice," Niners tight end  who was drafted by San Francisco the same year Juszczyk signed, said in a post on Instagram.



San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, #85, celebrates with fullback Kyle Juszczyk, #44, after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on Oct. 8, 2023. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

"My brother," running back Christian McCaffrey added in a post of his own.



However, the most vocal following the news was Kittle’s wife, Claire Kittle, who also shared a close relationship with Juszczyk’s wife, 

"Just rip out our hearts why don’t you," she said in a post, sharing a photo of the two couples together.

Claire Kittle also shared Juszczyk’s many accolades in the same post, later adding in another, "It’ll never make sense."



Kristin Juszczyk, left, with Claire Kittle prior to the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)



Paulina Dedaj is a  for Fox News Digital.
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