Brandon Aiyuk has touching explanation for highlight catch in 49ers win
Before the game, a ladybug landed on Brandon Aiyuk's shoe. And just a few hours later, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver made a crazy catch that helped the team fight back from behind and earn the win over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship. So during his postgame interview with FOX, Aiyuk referenced how the […]
Before the game, a ladybug landed on Brandon Aiyuk's shoe.
And just a few hours later, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver made a crazy catch that helped the team fight back from behind and earn the win over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship.
So during his postgame interview with FOX, Aiyuk referenced how the two occurrences were related.
"Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe," Aiyuk said. "And y'all know what that means. … Just great luck."
"God was with us today," he added. "Great win. Bang bang Niner gang. It's crazy."
And with that, the 49ers earned a spot in the Super Bowl, set to play against the Kansas City Chiefs for a chance at the ultimate title.
The incredible catch occurred in the third quarter, with the 49ers trailing the Lions 24-10. Brock Purdy sent the ball deep for Aiyuk, but overthrew it and gave Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor a chance to intercept it.
However, the ball bounced off Vildor's hands and then went off his facemask, and Aiyuk was there to catch the ball. The receiver made a diving catch at the 4-yard line, and three plays later he located Aiyuk in the end zone to add an additional six points to the score board.
This provided the 49ers with the motivation they needed and was the turning point for the team.
After the Lions got the ball back following Aiyuk's touchdown, Jahmyr Gibbs fumbled on the first play of Detroit's drive. And San Franscico capitalized, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game up at 24.
With a field goal and a touchdown soon after, the 49ers solidified the win. And it was Aiyuk's big catch that started it all.
So it seems that lady bug really did bring them luck.