Brandon Aiyuk says he’s going to ‘take off’ this season

May 31, 2023, 5:11 PM

EAGAN, MN - AUGUST 18: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings at training camp at TCO Performance Center on August 18, 2022 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

BY JOSEPH JAROSZ

Former Editor

Brandon Aiyuk knows he may not be the first offensive option on the San Francisco 49ers.

With George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel on the roster, he may not even be the second or third option on some game days. But he’s not letting that deter him from building upon a phenomenal 2022 season where he caught 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns, all career highs for the fourth-year wideout.

“That was the start to it,” Aiyuk said when asked if he considers last season a success. “Just looking to keep building.”

When asked if he feels overlooked or underrated because of the run-first style that’s played in San Francisco, the 25-year-old wide receiver said “for sure.”

“That’s been my whole life, that’s just how it’s been. But I feel like it’s supposed to be that way. That’s what keeps me going. That’s what keeps me motivated, keeps me angry,” Aiyuk said, adding he’ll get mad for no reason for “extra motivation.”