San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa made his political leanings unmistakably clear during Sunday Night Football with a bold, albeit quick, endorsement for former President Donald Trump.
As the nation gears up to hit the polls in just over a week, the 27-year-old defensive powerhouse momentarily hijacked a post-game interview to show off a “Make America Great Again” cap—the slogan synonymous with Trump’s campaign. Bosa’s sudden appearance and silent hat-pointing left some viewers amused and others caught off guard, with interviewer Melissa Stark diplomatically laughing it off, remarking, “Alright, Nick Bosa with a message there.”
Bosa, a Fort Lauderdale native, has a well-documented history as a vocal Trump supporter. His political views have been divisive, particularly given the Bay Area’s liberal fan base and California’s strong Democratic leanings, not to mention that Trump’s running mate, Kamala Harris, calls California home. Even back when Bosa was drafted in 2019 as the second overall pick, the team faced backlash from some 49ers fans who viewed Bosa’s conservative, pro-Trump stance as out of place in San Francisco.
Before the draft, Bosa’s social media presence drew attention for comments many found controversial, such as his critical remarks about Colin Kaepernick, whom he called a “clown,” and Beyoncé’s music, which he described as “complete trash.” At one point, Bosa even shared his dislike for the hit Marvel film Black Panther, calling it the “worst Marvel movie.”
Despite this history, Bosa has kept his political opinions somewhat under wraps since joining the NFL, though his conservative viewpoints haven’t faded. Earlier this year, he was spotted with former President Trump at a UFC event, snapping a picture alongside Trump and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. A Trump advisor shared the photo, reigniting public interest in Bosa’s ongoing support for the former president. Over the years, Bosa’s straightforward, if controversial, approach to expressing his beliefs has made him a unique figure in the NFL—a league where players often either keep their politics private or lean left.
#49ers DE Nick Bosa crashed NBC’s postgame interview with Brock Purdy to flash his Donald Trump “MAGA” hat.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 28, 2024
For the 49ers, Bosa’s outspoken conservatism and support for Trump have made him both a polarizing and powerful figure. The situation underscores how sports, politics, and social media can create a complex intersection for athletes today, especially in markets like San Francisco, where politics are no small matter. With the upcoming election, Bosa’s bold support for Trump serves as another reminder of how political divides permeate nearly every corner of American culture—even the football field.