In the wake of All-Pro tight end George Kittle’s record-setting contract with the San Francisco 49ers, agent Jack Bechta--the man who negotiated the five-year, $75-million pact--explains in precise detail how the deal went down. From wandering into a woman’s airport restroom to sharing seaside margaritas with Niners GM John Lynch to celebrating with Panda Express takeout, Bechta takes us on a humorous and illuminating journey that resulted in a special deal for a uniquely wired player.
After harkening back to Mike and Jack’s Delirious Adventure at the Indianapolis Airport--and revealing that Natalie’s favorite football player as a kid was former Eagles and Packers cornerback Al (31 The Dirty One) Harris, Bechta’s client--we lock in on the long process that led to Kittle’s record-setting deal. There were plenty of perilous moments, from an early setback Bechta dubs ‘The Valentine’s Day Massacre’ to his testy text exchange with 49ers general manager and legendary hitter John Lynch. Kittle nearly boiled over in late July, prompting the agent to call a “timeout.” By episode’s end, it’s clear why Kittle eventually got what was most important to him--but Natalie is mystified by the tight end’s choice of celebratory cuisine.