NFL Playoffs

Gardner-Johnson's goodbye wave ages poorly as 49ers complete comeback

Share
NBC Universal, Inc.

It isn't over until it's over.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson certainly learned that the hard way Sunday as the 49ers scored 27 unanswered points en route to a 34-31 comeback NFC Championship Game victory at Levi's Stadium.

Before things went downhill for Detroit, Gardner-Johnson celebrated after the Lions went up 21-7 in the second quarter by waving goodbye to the 49ers Faithful.

A bit premature, no?

Rather than the Lions completing their Cinderella story, Brock Purdy and the 49ers regrouped at halftime and roared back to avoid their third straight NFC title game loss and advance to Super Bowl LVIII, sending Detroit packing.

And some hours after the game, Gardner-Johnson's biggest adversary, 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, weighed in on the chicanery.

San Francisco 49ers

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

Deebo defends 49ers coach Shanahan against ‘hot seat' notion

Floyd provides 49ers scouting report on ex-Bills teammate Allen

San Francisco's ultimate 17-point comeback win is tied for the largest comeback in NFC Championship history.

And after the win, perhaps Gardner-Johnson was subjected to some farewell waves from the Faithful on his way out.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast

Contact Us