San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa wore a “Make America Great Again” hat to interrupt an NBC interview with teammate Brock Purdy on Sunday.
He entered the frame from behind and pointed to the cap slogan in support of Republican nominee Donald Trump. “All right, Nick Bosa with a message there,” broadcaster Melissa Stark said.
Tight end George Kittle and running back Isaac Guerendo laughed at Bosa’s antics, but many fans on X were not amused. “Had no idea he’s in a cult,” one person wrote.
“Nick Bosa is a loser... Stick to sports,” another snapped.
Reporters asked Bosa about the gesture in a press conference following the 49ers’ victory over the visiting Dallas Cowboys.
“I’m not gonna talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time,” Bosa said ― nine days before Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris compete for the presidency on Election Day.
Bosa first professed his admiration for Trump years ago, long before he became an NFL star, and Trump in turn praised Bosa’s MAGA allegiance. However, the former Ohio State All-American said he scrubbed problematic Twitter posts in anticipation of the 49ers drafting him in 2019.
One social media message that drew ire was Bosa calling then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick a “clown” in 2016, after Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to protest social injustice and police brutality. Bosa insisted the insult was not about Kaepernick’s activism.
On Sunday, Bosa wore a white MAGA hat with gold lettering, which wasn’t as obvious as the more common red cap with white lettering. But critics noticed.