Nick Bosa created quite the stir on Sunday night when he crashed his teammates’ postgame interview on Sunday Night Football to draw attention to his “Make America Great Again” hat.
But while the San Francisco 49ers star defensive end has received plenty of backlash for his public show of support for Donald Trump, the most pointed criticism he’s received has stemmed from his refusal to defend it.
During his own postgame press conference, Bosa was asked about the political messaging behind his cameo during Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Isaac Guerendo’s on-field interview. And yet despite seemingly having strong views on the matter, the Ohio State product didn’t take the opportunity to double down.
“I’m not gonna talk too much about it,” Bosa told reporters. “But I think it’s an important time.”
Nick Bosa on his MAGA hat statement: “I’m not gonna talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time.” pic.twitter.com/NgHx6GJcH6 https://t.co/o9ZGmUse87
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 28, 2024
As many on social media were quick to note, it’s one thing to support a polarizing presidential candidate like Trump, but another not to show much conviction when given the opportunity to explain your stance.
“Also just want to be clear Nick Bosa is a weak a** dude,” Quincy Avery, who trains multiple NFL quarterbacks, wrote on X. “You can do what you want but you wanted to make a statement do it with a microphone in front of you.”
“i have no problem with him wearing the hat. the nonsense answer to the question is what deserved pushback,” Bomani Jones wrote. “i’m saying to let the man get it off his chest. you’re the one trying to keep him quiet.”
Other users offered a similar sentiment, contrasting Bosa’s approach to political statements with former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s.
Wanna know the biggest difference between Colin Kaepernick and Nick Bosa. When asked about their action Kaep said it with his chest, when media asked Bosa he was a bitch. They are not the same. Kaep was willing to fight for his beliefs, Bosa just wanted to get praised by MAGA.
— Randy Jr (BiggieRan) (@BiggieRan) October 28, 2024
Colin Kaepernick stood in front of every mic SF’s media outlets had and gave his exact reasons for why he refused to stand for anthem.
Nick Bosa stole his teammates’ moment on camera and then turned bitch when the mics were in his face, including changing hats.
— JCsPops (@JDub9911) October 28, 2024
When Colin Kaepernick was confronted, he gave a sermon on the oppression his people have faced for centuries at the hands of the police. He stood by his actions and stood up for his beliefs.
When Nick Bosa was confronted, he hid his hat and shriveled up and ran away. https://t.co/yNq3mZTvdJ
— Candlestick Will (@CandlestickWill) October 28, 2024
While Bosa’s political beliefs have been well known dating back to his college career — and even served as a source of controversy leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft — most of his support of Trump has been limited to social media. That, however, wasn’t the case when he crashed his teammates’ interview on Sunday night. But when given the chance to expound on his beliefs, the 27-year-old opted to let his trolling do the talking.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.