Brandon Aiyuk

Wild Aiyuk catch leads to crucial 49ers TD in NFC title game vs. Lions

Share
NBC Universal, Inc.

In the third quarter of the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk made one of the most incredible catches in recent NFL playoff memory against the Detroit Lions.

On first-and-10 with the 49ers trailing 24-10, Brock Purdy threw up a huge pass to Aiyuk, who was tied up with Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor. During the tussle, both players went toward the ground as the ball hit Vildor in the facemask, bouncing off of him and into the arms of a leading Aiyuk for a 51-yard reception.

Later on in the drive, Purdy threw a laser to Aiyuk to score a touchdown, cutting the Lions' lead to seven points and putting the 49ers back in the game.

The drive was a nice recovery for Purdy, who struggled early on the game, missing passes and throwing an interception that led to a Detroit touchdown.

It marked a turning point in the game for the 49ers, and on their ensuing possession, Christian McCaffrey punched it in from the goal line to tie the game.

San Francisco 49ers

Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Shanahan, 49ers not overlooking Bears' ‘playoff-caliber' defense

Startling TD stat shows how 49ers stars declined from 2023 to 2024

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast

Contact Us