If the San Francisco 49ers win Super Bowl 58 against the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s momentum-shifting reception in the third quarter of the NFC Championship Game could go down as one of the most memorable moments in the franchise’s history.
With the 49ers down 14 points in the third quarter, quarterback Brock Purdy fired a deep throw to Aiyuk. It appeared that cornerback Kindle Vildor might secure an interception. Instead, the football deflected off the defender’s hands, and Aiyuk executed a heads-up play to guarantee it landed in his hands for a fantastic and unbelievable 51-yard catch.
Three plays later, Aiyuk caught another Purdy pass, this time in the end zone, bringing the 49ers’ deficit to seven points.
San Francisco finally won 34-31, but without Aiyuk’s clutch reaction to the ricocheting football, who knows what would have happened? That’s why the receiver was disappointed on Monday morning after watching SportsCenter’s Top Ten, which highlighted the most memorable moments from Championship Sunday.
Aiyuk’s catch came in at second.
“Number two?” “Who the hell do they have at one?” Aiyuk expressed confusion in an Instagram video of the receiver’s live reaction to the countdown.
The best play ended up being Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson receiving his own deflected throw in an AFC Championship Game loss to the Chiefs. What was Aiyuk’s opinion of the #1 pick?
“Man, get the f–” is all he says before the video ends.
Jackson’s pass and reception on the same play were undeniably amazing. However, Aiyuk’s catch was equally impressive and swung momentum in the 49ers’ favour, allowing the club to overcome a one-time 17-point disadvantage.
The Ravens will watch from home as the 49ers battle the Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas.
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