49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Credits 51-Yard Catch vs. Lions to A Ladybug Landing on His Shoe

Andrew PetersJanuary 29, 2024

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Brandon Aiyuk came up with one of the most miraculous catches of the season in a huge moment for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

As the 49ers were looking to score and cut into the defect against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter of the NFC Championship game, Brock Purdy aired one out deep, and the ball bounced off Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor’s facemask and into Aiyuk’s hands at the four-yard line. A few plays later, Aiyuk scored on a six-yard pass to make it a 24-17 game.

NFL @NFLAIYUK UNBELIEVABLE!

📺: #DETvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gm8L5xwa9D

Aiyuk didn’t credit the wild catch to his lightning-quick reflexes or the work he’s put in this season, but rather a sign of a good luck ahead of the game.

“Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe, and y’all know what that means,” Aiyuk said. “That’s all I can say, cause other than that, I don’t know. Just great luck. God was with us today. Great win, bang bang Niner gang.”

NFL on FOX Podcast @NFLonFOXPod”Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe… Just great luck, God was with us today, great win, bang bang Niner gang.”

Brandon Aiyuk joined @ErinAndrews to talk about his crazy catch and the @49ers win! pic.twitter.com/XWKLPoVK2H

That ladybug must have been with the 49ers all game, as they came back from an improbable 17-point deficit to beat the Lions and advance to the Super Bowl, where they will face the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, Aiyuk and San Francisco are hoping for a little more ladybug-magic as they look to become champions.