Bosa’s bold move could cost him — but is it worth the fine?
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa caused quite a stir among liberal fans and possibly even his own supporters when he boldly crashed Sunday Night Football‘s post-game interview, sporting a Make America Great Again hat.
The Niners edged out the Dallas Cowboys 30-24 in a must-win game for both teams. But Bosa’s surprise appearance left two immediate repercussions: first, he risks a fine for breaking NFL policies on approved messaging.
Second, some reports claim that fans in MAGA hats could be barred from entering Levi’s Stadium during Monday’s game.
Bosa’s entrance interrupted NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark as she interviewed Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Isaac Guerendo right on the Levi’s Stadium field.
Bosa’s decision to wear the Make America Great Again hat appears to have breached NFL guidelines, making him likely subject to a fine.
As outlined in the NFL’s rulebook, Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 states:
“…The league will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, arm bands, jersey patches, mouthpieces, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns…”
The NFL explicitly states that players must wear only club-issued or League-approved items visible on game day. For anything outside these guidelines, players must seek prior approval from the League office.
As per the 2024 NFL rulebook (Rule 5, Section 4, Article 1):
“…The term uniform, as used in this policy, applies to every piece of equipment worn by a player, including helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, and any other item of protective gear, and to every visible item of apparel, including but not limited to pants, jerseys, wristbands, gloves, game socks and/or leg coverings, shoes, visible undergarments, and accessories such as headwear worn under helmets and hand towels. All visible items worn on game day by players must be issued by the club or the League, or, if from outside sources, must have approval in advance by the League office..”
After their 30-24 victory over the Cowboys, NBC’s Melissa Stark was in the middle of interviewing 49ers stars George Kittle, Isaac Guerendo, and Brock Purdy when Bosa briefly jumped in to show off his MAGA hat before quickly leaving.
Given that the gesture came just days before the U.S. presidential election, Bosa’s move drew both support and backlash. Unfortunately for him, though, a fine seems imminent. SFGate’s Alex Simon has also suggested that Bosa is likely to face consequences for violating the league’s rules regarding personal messages.
Following his appearance, sales of Nick Bosa’s number 97 49ers jersey reportedly surged, with many fans supporting his political stance. Bosa seems to have struck a chord with certain fans who plan to back Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Bosa shines on the field, making two Super Bowl appearances in just four years and earning titles as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2022) and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2019).
As for the interview, Bosa made it clear he wasn’t going to elaborate, saying simply,
“I’m not going to talk about it too much, but I think it’s an important time.”
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