Feeling ‘Like a Zombie’ Post Super Bowl, Brandon Aiyuk Reveals Idols Tom Brady & Kobe Bryant Helped Him Move On

Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers’ existing wide receiver, made his first appearance this year in the 2024 Super Bowl, marking a significant milestone in his NFL journey. The journey to the Super Bowl has not been too smooth for Aiyuk. He also faced obstacles in his football career.

After the disappointment of the Super Bowl LVIII, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver talked about how difficult it was for him to go on from the possibilities that had not come to pass. In a candid conversation with Shannon Sharpe, Aiyuk revealed that he felt like a “zombie” after the game.

Brandon Aiyuk reminisces about the day following the Super Bowl loss

Aiyuk admitted that he was consumed by thoughts of the Super Bowl defeat, unable to shake off the disappointment. However, a birthday trip to Cabo provided him with the much-needed escape to clear his mind and begin the process of moving forward. He said, “I ain’t gonna lie until before I went to to Cabo for my birthday, I was in house like just like a zombie like I was like it it just wasn’t good so I I got to I got to go out there and relax and and get away from it now.”

Reflecting on his journey to acceptance, Aiyuk shared that the presence of his idols, Tom Brady and LeBron James, played a significant role in helping him cope with the loss. He said, ” I’m I’m big Bron fan but, I got Kobe I got Kobe I got picture Kobe holding and I got a picture of myself shaking Tom Brady hand in my in my crib.” Aiyuk revealed that he has pictures of both Brady and Kobe Bryant in his home, serving as constant reminders of greatness and resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite of the setbacks, the WR’s journey to the Super Bowl exemplifies the dedication, talent, and resilience that have defined his football career.

From rookie standout to Super Bowl contender

With his first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk started his professional career in San Francisco. He has made steady progress on the path of becoming an essential player, who can make big plays and advance his team’s success.

In his rookie season, Aiyuk wasted no time making an impact, displaying his versatility by scoring touchdowns both as a receiver and rusher. With each passing year, Aiyuk’s role as a receiver in the 49ers’ offense is expanding, clocking the top in 2023 with 1,000 yards and being a part of the All-Pro teams selection as the Second Team.

Despite his success, Aiyuk’s ultimate goal remains winning a Super Bowl, and he came close during Super Bowl LVIII. However, despite their best efforts, the team ultimately fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in a tightly contested matchup. Nevertheless, Aiyuk’s postseason performances have been remarkable, with his contributions playing a vital role in the 49ers’ multiple trips to the NFC Championship Game and their Super Bowl appearance.

Read more: 49ers Trade Rumors: Brandon Aiyuk To Raiders? $12M WR Faces Deebo Samuel Challenge