A fabricated highlight reel for a non-existent San Francisco 49ers player, Daejon Love, has gone viral online, drawing the real-life rookie De’Zhaun Stribling into the growing hoax. The roughly 40-second parody video presents Love’s fictional NFL career as a legitimate preseason breakout story. It incorporates actual 49ers footage, broadcast graphics, and a scouting-style biography.
The video's fictional narrative includes claims that Love trains with NFL stars Tyreek Hill and Antonio Brown, owns multiple properties valued over $15 million, and secured a private contract with the 49ers. The report also mentions Love's infamous pinky injury.
Online reactions have amplified the fictional persona, with viewers creating imaginary accolades for Love. Comments such as "Love >>> Aiyuk" and recollections of a fictional Super Bowl performance with "8 catches for 150 yds and 2 TDs" have appeared. Others have noted his supposed route-running improvements since a previous fictional mention of "the beach."
The prank has even extended to mocking the Los Angeles Rams, with one user suggesting that Love and Rams player Puka Nacua would form a top wide receiver duo. The online amusement is an extension of a story that has already involved actual NFL personalities. Tyreek Hill has seemingly played along with Love's alleged claims of training together, while John Brown has denied knowing him. Brothers Travis and Jason Kelce have also commented on the alleged scheme.
Federal prosecutors have accused the real Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, of defrauding at least 26 women out of approximately $1.3 million through romance and investment scams. Love is accused of posing as a 49ers player as part of these schemes.
The viral parody has become particularly unavoidable for 49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. Stribling, who switched his jersey number from 15 to 7—the same number Love reportedly used while portraying himself as a 49er—has found himself incorporated into the joke. He has described the coincidence as "hilarious" and "kind of crazy."
At this point, Stribling may need a strong rookie season to distance himself from the fictional player who adopted his jersey number without ever playing a down for the team.