San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings found himself at the centre of a social media storm this week after a controversial touchdown celebration that saw him cruelly prank a rival fan.
The Monday Night Football Troll Job
The incident occurred during the 49ers' 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. In the second half, quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Jennings for a three-yard touchdown reception, extending San Francisco's lead to 31-17. The play's momentum carried Jennings towards the right side of the end zone and close to the stands.
Spotting a Colts supporter in the front row, the veteran receiver appeared to offer her the prized match ball in a gesture of sporting goodwill. As the fan reached out with hopeful, outstretched arms, Jennings abruptly snatched the ball back, revealing the gesture as an elaborate ruse. The woman's crestfallen expression was captured perfectly, cementing the moment as a perfectly executed troll job.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Pundits
The stunt immediately divided opinion online. Many fans on platform X (formerly Twitter) condemned Jennings' actions as needlessly mean-spirited. One user criticised, 'Lamest player in the league goes to a mf named Juan [sic] Jennings,' while another stated simply, 'That ending was not needed bruh.' Others labelled him a deliberate 'heel' in the league.
However, not all reaction was negative. Some enjoyed the competitive gamesmanship, with one post noting, 'Those Colts fans really thought they were getting the ball.' The celebration even won praise from former NFL star Richard Sherman, who posted, 'Jauan with the fake ball giveaway was too funny! Peak Villain energy and I love it.'
Jennings' Explanation and Playoff Context
When questioned about the prank after the game, Jennings grinned and offered a simple justification: 'She didn't have any 49ers gear so that's what she got.' His touchdown was the first of three the Niners scored in the first half, with Christian McCaffrey adding a nine-yard run and Dee Winters returning an interception 74 yards for a score.
The win bolstered San Francisco's position as they push for the top seed in the National Football Conference (NFC) playoffs. Having already clinched a postseason berth, the 49ers' final two games are against the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks. Victories in both will likely secure them the coveted number one seed and a first-round bye.
