San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is facing public backlash after a video surfaced on social media that appears to show him kicking one of his dogs. The incident, which occurred around the end of June, has amplified concerns about the player's recent behavior.
Aiyuk, who has been estranged from the team this offseason and expressed a desire to be traded, shared clips on his Instagram story that ignited controversy. In one video, he is seen feeding his dogs raw chicken and sardines. As one dog attempts to lick the bowl again, Aiyuk appears to use his foot to move the animal away, uttering the phrase, "Watch out n**** move!" Shortly after, he seems to kick the same dog in the head.
The video has drawn criticism online, with some viewers describing the act as "disgusting." However, opinions on social media have been divided. Some users argue that Aiyuk was merely nudging the dog with his foot to reposition it while feeding, a behavior they consider normal in that context.
This incident follows a pattern of public controversy surrounding Aiyuk in recent weeks. He previously garnered attention after firing his long-time agent and vowing to jeopardize his own career to force a trade. Around the same time, a warrant was issued for his arrest related to a December incident where he was reportedly seen driving over 100 mph. This led to the 49ers placing him on the reserve list with a "left squad" designation.
Former Super Bowl MVP and 49ers legend Steve Young has expressed concern for Aiyuk's well-being, stating, "I worry for him. I feel like I want to reach out and help. This is beyond football, it feels like."
Aiyuk, 28, was a third-round pick by the 49ers in 2020. He signed a four-year, $120 million extension in 2024 but suffered ACL and MCL tears, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season. He has since requested a trade, but demand for his services has not yet materialized.