The San Francisco 49ers acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen in a trade on Tuesday, bringing the former Cal star to the Bay Area. The move has also brought to light a past social media exchange between Allen and 49ers teammate Mike Evans.
In July 2020, Allen, then with the Chargers, took to Twitter to question receiver rankings, directly calling out Tyreek Hill and Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates Evans and Chris Godwin. Allen questioned who was faster or better at beating cornerbacks, writing "CHILD PLEASE!".
Evans responded to Allen's post by pointing out a minor error and then asserting his own standing. "I like the confidence but be realistic you not on my level bro," Evans wrote, also noting Allen had mistakenly tagged the wrong Chris Godwin. "You tagged the wrong Chris Godwin lol."
Allen, who has since earned six Pro Bowl selections and accumulated the eighth-most receptions in NFL history with 1,095, played three seasons at Cal, where he set the school's career receptions record. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Evans missed the 49ers' recent game against the Raiders with Achilles tendinitis. When he returns, the reunion on the field with Allen could offer a new dynamic to the 49ers' receiver room, which is known for its competitive and vocal nature.