Brandon Aiyuk Credits Miraculous Catch in 49ers’ NFC Championship Win to a Ladybug

Yep, you heard him right.

Brandon Aiyuk might have saved the San Francisco 49ers’ season with an incredible catch in the third quarter.

With the 49ers trailing by 14 points, quarterback Brock Purdy unleashed a deep ball for Aiyuk, who was in single coverage. The football bounced off the helmet of Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor, and into Aiyuk’s outstretched arms for an improbable 51-yard gain.

After San Francisco closed out a 34–31 victory to advance to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Aiyuk gave credit for the third-quarter magic to an ... interesting source.

“Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe,” Aiyuk told Fox’s Erin Andrews after the win. “And ya’ll know what that means. So that’s all I can say. Just great luck, God was with us today. 

"Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe... Just great luck, God was with us today, great win, bang bang Niner gang."

Brandon Aiyuk joined @ErinAndrews to talk about his crazy catch and the @49ers win! pic.twitter.com/XWKLPoVK2H

— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) January 29, 2024

Aiyuk closed out that drive with a 6-yard touchdown reception to make it a one-possession game. The receiver hauled in three catches for 68 yards and a score in the 49ers’ victory.

Aiyuk will hope to find that same luck in Las Vegas when San Francisco takes on the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of Super Bowl LIV.

They do have ladybugs in Vegas, right?