Brandon Aiyuk hit a significant milestone in the 49ers’ 28-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
After torching the Seahawks for six receptions and 126 yards, San Francisco’s fourth-year wideout reached 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season.
After Sunday’s matinée, coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with media about what he admires about Aiyuk and his recent accomplishment.
“Just every year, [Aiyuk] gets so much better on the football field and also off the football field, which leads to the football field in terms of how mature he is,” he remarked. “In there, he’s one of our leaders. BA has gone a long way, in my opinion. He gets very excited for the games.”
Aiyuk became the fifth 49ers receiver to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and the first for San Francisco since Anquan Boldin did it in 2013 and 2014.
Shanahan commended Aiyuk’s progress, noting how deserving the recipient is of such an accomplishment.
“Sometimes he won’t get the ball for a little bit, then he’ll come in late, and sometimes it happens early,” he remarked. “But with just BA this year, it really doesn’t matter.” He plays the same manner up and down. It carries over into the run and pass games. With the type of football player he is and how talented he is, you always have the feeling that it’s just a matter of time before he gets his thousand [yards]. He’s earned it, and he’s been fantastic for us this year.”
Aiyuk has 1,053 yards receiving through 13 games for the 10-3 49ers, surpassing his total from last season (1,015) with four games remaining.
Aiyuk is a constant in Shanahan’s scheme, and he should continue to be a threat on the field for the 49ers for many years.
Since being selected by San Francisco with the 25th choice in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona State product has 250 receptions for 3,642 yards and 24 touchdowns.
