Brandon Aiyuk living out his mother’s dream on the biggest stage with 49ers

Feb 8, 2024, 12:15 PM | Updated: 2:27 pm

Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers does an interview with NFL Network reporter Stacey Dal...

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

Fate has a funny way of working sometimes. That’s the case for Brandon Aiyuk and his family, specifically his mother.

Born in Rocklin, but raised in Reno, the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver grew up primarily in a 49ers household. And as it turns out, his mother Martha, is the biggest fan of all, making his NFL journey even more sweet.

Throughout his youth and adolescence, Brandon’s mom dressed him in everything Red & Gold, hoping to sway him towards The Faithful. Instead, “BA” chose to go his own way, turning from fan to player in a matter of years. But while he rooted for other teams, he still had a special place in his heart for his mother’s favorite squad.

“My mom was the one that grew up a Niners fan and she put me in all the Niners stuff.” Brandon Aiyuk said. “I kinda veered my own way a little bit, but I was still a fan of the team.”

#49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk on how his mom’s love for the team turned into his love since being drafted🥹 pic.twitter.com/5TdJn4Ztku
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) February 8, 2024

Once Brandon was selected with the 25th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the 49ers however, that fandom quickly veered back to the bond he shared with his mom. Now excelling at the highest level of football on his family’s home team, Brandon Aiyuk is living out the dream of his mother, taking full ownership of the Red & Gold now.

“Being in the Super Bowl for my mother’s favorite home team, it’s exciting. It’s my team now…it’s fun. It’s lit,” Aiyuk stated.

Brandon Aiyuk had a breakout 2023 season, making his first All-Pro team. He finished the year with 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches. He led the NFL in yards per catch at 17.9, becoming one of the best route runners in the world.

The Rocklin native came up big in the NFC Championship game, securing one of the biggest catches in 49ers playoff history. A deep. shot ricocheted off a Detroit Lions defensive back, with Aiyuk diving for the improbable 51-yard reception. BA would finish off the drive with a six-yard score, putting the 49ers back within striking distance at 24-17.

George Kittle was all of us after Brandon Aiyuk’s insane catch🤣

🎥: @49ers | #49ers | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/n1rscBppD2
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) February 1, 2024

The 49ers would win the game, 34-31, with Aiyuk’s parents elated to see their son shine on the biggest stage.

“He came up big in the nick of time, we’re so happy, we’re going to the Super Bowl!” Brandon’s father, Swaminathan, said postgame.

Here’s Brandon Aiyuk (& his parents) on his game-changing 51-yard catch…

Dad: “He came up big in the nick of time, we’re so happy, we’re going to the Super Bowl!”

Then more fam joined and that’s a wrap💪😭… @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/0iRBH7ni3s
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) January 29, 2024