Diligent eating and weightlifting over the spring and summer packed nearly 30 pounds back onto Kittle's frame.
The 49ers had to pass through some grief to reach this point, as defensive end Nick Bosa acknowledged he initially doubted the team's ability to win after the Super Bowl loss.
Kittle, no longer hindered by multiple injuries, is particularly excited about the opportunity ahead after recovering from core muscle damage and an AC sprain in his shoulder.