Aiyuk’s Instagram Jab at Shanahan’s Crash Raises Red Flags Among NFL Teams

Brandon Aiyuk’s pattern of problematic social media behavior is now threatening his professional prospects across the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver posted cryptic comments Tuesday on Instagram that appeared to mock coach Kyle Shanahan’s recent head-on collision, which left Shanahan with multiple broken ribs, a fractured nose, a broken hand and concussion symptoms. The post included the caption “You can’t win the race if you crash out,” followed by another message advising someone to “keep yo head up and stay in yo own lane.”

NFL sources told Fox News Digital they are troubled by Aiyuk’s online conduct, with one executive saying he is “disgusted” by what appears to be mockery of his coach’s serious injuries. The post comes amid an ongoing dispute between Aiyuk and the 49ers organization dating to 2024, when the team voided his 2026 guaranteed salary after he failed to meet rehabilitation obligations following an October 2024 ACL injury. Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have made clear Aiyuk will never play for San Francisco again.

Aiyuk’s social media history extends well beyond Tuesday’s post. He previously filmed himself driving at speeds potentially reaching 104 miles per hour near the 49ers training facility, leading to a misdemeanor exhibition of speed charge in California. He also posted a now-deleted video showing himself throwing stacks of cash around, seemingly to demonstrate financial independence from his team.

The Washington Commanders have emerged as a potential trade destination, given their need at wide receiver and quarterback Jayden Daniels’ college connection with Aiyuk at Arizona State. When asked Tuesday whether social media behavior factors into player evaluations, Commanders general manager Adam Peters acknowledged the team examines “everything” about potential acquisitions, including locker room fit and character. Peters stressed the organization prioritizes ensuring players align with team culture, though he noted such assessments typically rank below on-field performance and background checks with previous teams.