SANTA CLARA – Brandon Ayuk ruffled the feathers of Las Vegas Raiders fans this week, but the 49ers wide receiver said it was all in good fun.
Raiders receiver Davante Adams came out in defense of quarterback Derek Carr earlier in the week, and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” Instagram account shared the video. Ayuk left a comment urging All-Pro users to leave the game with his teammate.
“Sit out this week, stand with the boy.” the comment says:
Ayuk spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area and explained his comments about Adams, who he has incredible respect for. When Ayuk was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the rookie said he modeled his game after Adams, his favorite NFL receiver.
The third-year wideout knew his comment might spark some debate on social media, but decided to get involved regardless.
“It was a little bit of fun,” Ayuk said. “I think people took it completely differently. If I don’t have to play Davante Adams, I’d rather not play Davante Adams. I’m trying to win a football game.”
Adams has 88 receptions for 1,290 yards on 160 targets and a league-leading 12 touchdowns this season. The All-Pro receiver is averaging 14.7 yards per reception, and 2022 is his fourth career 1,000-yard season and third in a row.
“If Davante Adams doesn’t come out, I’m sure that will improve our chances a lot,” Ayuk said. “Especially for that team and what he does for their offense, especially without the team’s starting quarterback.
“That was it. It was more of a nod to Davante Adams, having some fun. But, you know, that’s Raiders fans for you.”
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If nothing else, Ayuk fanned the flames of an already heated rivalry between the two teams ahead of Sunday’s clash.
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