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Brandon Aiyuk Tears Up While Describing Journey With 49ers Teammates in 2023 NFL Season
Locker room clean out day is one of the most sobering events on the NFL calendar.
Still dealing with the sting of the San Francisco 49ers’ overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk spoke with the media Tuesday
One reporter asked Aiyuk how he’ll remember the 2023 49ers, a roster that claimed the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed and fell just short of claiming the sixth Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Aiyuk was overcome with emotion and took his time to respond.
“Just guys that came in and worked to be champions,” he said while tearing up. “Every single day."
Brandon Aiyuk was overcome with emotion when asked about this journey with his 49ers teammates pic.twitter.com/gFY7unZyfN
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) February 13, 2024
Aiyuk played a pivotal role in the 49ers’ offense, logging 75 receptions for a career-best 1,342 receiving yards. He arguably saved San Francisco’s season in the NFC championship game against the Detroit Lions by nabbing a deflected pass for a crucial 51-yard gain, a reception he hilariously credited to a ladybug.
This offseason, however, might be an interesting one for the former first-round pick. The 49ers picked up his fifth-year option for the 2024 season, but Aiyuk will likely be eyeing a lucrative, long-term extension before entering a contract year.
On Monday, his girlfriend Rochelle Searight went viral by hinting in a TikTok video that Aiyuk might have played his last game with San Francisco. Aiyuk also had fans speculating about his future with a cryptic post to Instagram that read, “Don’t forget what got you there.”
One day later, Aiyuk addressed his future in the Bay Area.
“If that’s the right move, yeah,” Aiyuk said when asked if he hopes he remains with the 49ers.
Over his career, Aiyuk has played in three NFC championship games and two Super Bowls but still doesn’t own a Super Bowl ring.
He and the 49ers certainly hope it’s a different story the next time the team cleans out their lockers in 2025.
Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.