The San Francisco 49ers are going to Super Bowl 58 after beating the Detroit Lions in comeback fashion. One of the reasons they were able to make that comeback was wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who made an incredible play to put them back in it.
However, according to ESPN, Aiyuk’s play was only the second-best play of the week. Aiyuk saw the ranking and wasn’t happy. What did he say?
Brandon Aiyuk’s Unhappy Reaction to ESPN’s Rankings
With the 49ers down 24-10 over halfway into the third quarter, quarterback Brock Purdy launched the ball 51 yards downfield to Aiyuk. The pass looked like it was going to be intercepted by defensive back Kindle Vildor, but instead, it was tipped up and caught by Aiyuk after he bounced off a defender.
However, during ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 plays, Aiyuk’s catch was ranked just second. The play was ranked behind Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s 13-yard self-reception.
“Number two?,” said Aiyuk on his Instagram story. “Who they gonna have at one then?”
Brandon Aiyuk is NOT happy about being #2 in ESPN’s top-10 plays on Sunday 💀 pic.twitter.com/ea8b9pm07o
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) January 29, 2024
Aiyuk finished the day against the Lions with three receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown, which came just three plays after the incredible catch, as Purdy threw six yards to Aiyuk for the score.
Aiyuk’s 2023 NFL season as a whole has been a major breakout year. After barely scratching 1,000 yards in 2022, he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 and was named second-team All-Pro.
“Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe and y’all know what that means,” said Aiyuk following the game. “Just great luck. God was with us today, great win. Bang bang Niner gang.”
In four years, Aiyuk has caught 269 passes for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was taken with the 25th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the 49ers after spending his college career at Sierra College and Arizona State.
With the 49ers advancing to the Super Bowl, they will face the Kansas City Chiefs. The matchup will be a rematch of the 2019 season’s Super Bowl LIV, when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers, 31-20. A difference in this year’s matchup, though, is Aiyuk, who was still in college during the last matchup.
MORE: Brock Purdy Continues To Prove Doubters Wrong After Epic 49ers Comeback
The Super Bowl will kick off on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on CBS with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
