Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasn't Nick Bosa's most dominant showing. The San Francisco 49ers defensive end recorded only three pressures. However, Bosa did manage to bring down Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for a sack, and his celebration following the play stirred reactions across social media. Depending on viewers' political leanings, he earned both criticism and praise.
Just a day before, Bosa had been fined for a uniform violation related to wearing a MAGA hat on the field in support of Donald Trump following the Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. In his post-sack celebration against the Buccaneers, Bosa appeared to give a nod to the president-elect.
When asked about his motivation behind the celebration, Bosa replied, "I think you know the answer to that question."
Nick Bosa hit the Donald Trump dance after a sack pic.twitter.com/OeLZj0WMXY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 10, 2024
Bosa admitted he hadn't initially planned on doing the celebration but was encouraged by his defensive teammates.
During his weekly KNBR interview, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about Bosa's post-sack celebration. He responded enthusiastically.
"I don't know what the Trump dance is, but it's supposedly the Trump dance," Shanahan explained. "It was actually Leonard Floyd's idea. And if you watch them, Leonard Floyd, when Bosa got the sack, Leonard Floyd started doing it."
According to Shanahan, Bosa then joined Floyd in the dance, soon followed by other defensive teammates.
"Leonard egged them all on, and then they followed, and it was pretty cool to see," Shanahan added.
The head coach was also asked about a critical moment late in the game when Bosa nearly sacked Mayfield, only to watch the quarterback complete a pass to running back Rachaad White for a first down while in the pass rusher's grasp.
THROWING A DART WHILE STIFF ARMING A DEFENDER 💪🎯 pic.twitter.com/Z50BswblJa
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024
"It was unbelievable," Shanahan said. "... It was 4th-and-7, I knew the game was coming down to that play. I'm watching the whole thing, watching the coverage, see everyone covered. Then I take my eyes right into the backfield, and Bosa's got him locked down. And I know he's not getting away from it, and I didn't think he could throw the ball like that. You probably can't see it outside of me, but inside, I'm already celebrating. I'm like, 'Oh, this is over. He's going down.' And then he made the most unbelievable throw. Just shows how strong he is.
"But talking to Nick, he had both of his hands on his bicep, so he had him locked in. Nick didn't think he could throw from that spot. And what Bosa was worried about, you're holding his arm, pulling him, and if you want to tackle him, and all you got is his arm, you got to let go for a half second to then put your arms around his body or to then grab him so you could take him down. And he knew he had him, and he was afraid if he let go for a half second, then he could get the throw off.
"So he was just going to keep holding that arm instead of giving him just a half second to do it. And somehow, Baker, and just the competitor he is, the strength he has, he found a way to still get that off and made a hell of a play."
The 49ers managed to escape with a 23-20 win. Next up, Shanahan and his team face the Seattle Seahawks. A victory on Sunday at Levi's Stadium would mark the 49ers' third straight win and strengthen their push for a playoff spot.
