Nick Bosa just turned heads, and not for the right reasons. The Niners DE made a somewhat controversial statement online that might stir up more than just football talk. 

Texans rookie QB CJ Stroud’s coach Quincy Avery pulled no punches. After a controversial post-game moment on Sunday, Avery took to X to call out DE Bosa, dropping the line: “Nick Bosa is a weak a– dude. You can do what you want, but you wanted to make a statement, do it with a microphone in front of you.”

That “statement” Avery refers to? Bosa’s choice to wear a “Make America Great Again” hat on air. And then refusing to elaborate.

Let’s set the scene. San Francisco had just edged out Dallas 30-24. They took them to a 4-4 record as they entered their bye week. During a post-game interview ft. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Isaac Guerendo, Bosa casually popped in—his red MAGA hat grabbing all the attention.

But when reporters pressed him for the story behind it, the 27-year-old left it at: “I’m not gonna talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time.” Stroud’s coach clearly wasn’t buying the silence. To him, Bosa’s public appearance with the hat, paired with a reluctance to expand on his views, seemed like a half-hearted message. 

This ain’t the first time the Buckeyes product’s stance has surfaced. Back in 2019, right before the NFL Draft, he was vocal about his support for Donald Trump.  The four-time Pro Bowler went so far as to clean up his social media ahead of his selection, likely to ease his landing in San Francisco. Even Trump noticed, congratulating him publicly and urging him to “always stay true to yourself.”

The timing of this move isn’t lost on fans, either. With Election Day around the corner, Nick Bosa’s on a break, and it’s unclear whether he’ll address the statement further. But the league might weigh in, as the NFL has strict policies on political expressions. 

Nick Bosa’s political play faces NFL penalty risk 

DE Bosa’s political touchdown might come with a penalty flag. Per NFL 2024 rulebook Article 8, players are prohibited from wearing or displaying messages related to political activities, non-football events, or even charitable causes on their uniforms. 

This includes helmet decals, armbands, and jersey patches. Any approved items must be “modest in size, tasteful, non-commercial, and non-controversial,” and they can only be used for one football season. The rule also specifies that items approved for one team cannot be worn by players from other teams in the league.

As a player, though, Bosa’s stats are great. He clinched the Defensive Player of the Year title with a league-leading 18.5 sacks. And he’s showing up this season, too—snagging another sack Sunday to bring his total to 4.5.

Though Dallas tried to rally, the Niners sealed it 30-24. Purdy was on fire—260 yards and a TD, while also running for 56 yards and another score. Kittle had six catches for 128 yards and a TD. 

Bosa may face backlash off-field, but on game day, it’s all about that W as the Niners head into their bye week feeling good!