San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has ignited a firestorm of criticism after he uploaded a video showing himself driving at dangerously high speeds on public roads directly outside the team's home stadium.
A Reckless Display Captured on Camera
The concerning footage, which appeared on Aiyuk's personal YouTube channel last Saturday, features the American football star reviewing his new Cadillac CT5-V. During the clip, the vehicle's speedometer is clearly seen hitting triple-digit figures on a freeway close to Levi's Stadium.
In a particularly alarming segment, Aiyuk is filmed racing down Tasman Drive at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour, with the iconic 49ers arena visible in the background. This is more than double the legal limit for that stretch of road, which San Jose city data confirms is set at just 40mph.
A Troubling Backdrop of Team Tensions
This dangerous stunt arrives amidst a visibly fractured relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers franchise. The organisation moved the former first-round draft pick to the 'reserve/left team' list just over a week ago, a designation typically used for players seeking retirement or a permanent split from their club.
Aiyuk has been absent from the team's facilities for several months and has maintained public silence regarding the ongoing dispute. NFL insiders interpret the reserve list move as a strong signal that his tenure in San Francisco will conclusively end after the 2025 season.
Fans Fear a 'Cry for Help'
Reaction in the video's comment section was swift, with numerous supporters expressing deep worry for the player's mental state rather than focusing solely on his reckless driving. Many interpreted the act, particularly the high-speed pass by the stadium, as a distress signal.
One viewer commented on the 'soft slow exhale' heard as he passed Levi's Stadium, stating the star was 'crying for help'. Another wrote directly: '104 passing Levi's stadium. Idk what you are going through but I'm praying for you Brandon.' A third fan echoed the sentiment, hoping Aiyuk would 'get through whatever youre going through and get better.'
A Stunning Fall from Grace
The controversy marks a dramatic downturn for a player who was recently a cornerstone of the 49ers' success. After a stellar 2023 season where he led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns during their Super Bowl LVIII run, Aiyuk was rewarded with a massive four-year, $120 million contract extension.
However, his career trajectory was brutally halted by a catastrophic knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs. He suffered tears to his ACL, MCL, and meniscus on a single play and has not played for the 49ers since. Drafted in 2020 from Arizona State, Aiyuk had previously recorded consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2022 and 2023.
The combination of his severe injury, the protracted contract standoff, and now this public display of dangerous behaviour has left fans and analysts deeply concerned for the future of one of the NFL's recently most explosive talents.
