After playing just seven games last season, Brandon Aiyuk is looking to bounce back stronger than ever in 2025. The San Francisco 49ers locked up quarterback Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million extension, meaning he and Aiyuk are set to work together for years to come. As the six-year veteran continues his recovery, he sent a bold message to his critics on social media.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Colorful Message to His Haters Sets Tone for 49ers’ New Era
The 49ers’ loss of Deebo Samuel Jr. makes Aiyuk’s role more important than ever. Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders for just a fifth-round pick, giving Jayden Daniels a new target for his second season. With Samuel gone, Aiyuk moves into the WR1 role on the depth chart.
In a receiving room that features Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall, Aiyuk is clearly Purdy’s top target. The two have already built chemistry, shown by Aiyuk’s back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. But the offense will need to shift its focus without Samuel.
That means more pressure, more targets, and more spotlight for Aiyuk.
“Y’all cry baby a** divas be killing the vibes on IG,” Aiyuk posted. “Smh it gotta be an age limit on hating! If you 30 years or older just post yo kids and stfu.”
With extra time off due to injury, Aiyuk clearly saw some of the criticism thrown his way. Athletes at this level deal with social media hate just like movie stars, if not more. And while fans often forget, players are human too. Aiyuk’s response shows he’s had enough.
His message wasn’t just an emotional reaction. It was a statement that he’s ready to lead, take on responsibility, and prove the doubters wrong.
#49ers Brandon Aiyuk sent a message to the haters on IG 👀 pic.twitter.com/BNWKAWUA8L
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) June 3, 2025
Aiyuk, 27, has been with the 49ers since they selected him No. 25 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $120 million extension in the 2024 offseason, with $76 million guaranteed.
His injury last season was beyond his control, but he’s doing everything he can to return to the field.
After posting a career-high 1,342 yards on 75 catches in 2023, Aiyuk managed just 25 receptions in 2024. That averaged out to one fewer catch per game compared to the year before. Still, he averaged 15 yards per reception — only slightly down from the 17.9 he posted in 2023.
Now with Samuel gone, Aiyuk’s voice and production carry even more weight. If he returns to form, he could be the engine that drives San Francisco’s passing attack this season.
