The NFL has fined San Francisco 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa $11,255 for wearing a “Make America Great Again,” hat from President Donald Trump in a salacious post-game interview following the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 27, 2024.
Bosa joined teammates Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Isaac Guerendo on camera to proudly point out his hat, which had a personal message that worked in direct violation of NFL rules against such messages amid game-day visibility.
During the post-game interview, he donned a white MAGA hat with which he gestured, as he stood with his teammates. “I’m not going to talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time,” Bosa said after being asked about his decision in choosing the hat.
After the incident, Bosa said that he knew a fine would be possible, adding it was “well worth it.” He also furthered, saying, “Clearly, the nation spoke, and we got what we got.” Additionally, Bosa said his position of speaking about it was not going to change, and he had a “good time” watching the election coverage.
He added, “If it comes, it comes,” a signal of resignation to whatever would come or be discussed in terms of the outcomes of his actions.
The NFL has a rather strict policy in respect to player behavior, especially in terms of personal messages during game-day visibility. According to Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 of the NFL rulebook, no player is to wear or flash a personal message unless prior approval has been given by the league itself. Bosa’s MAGA hat fell squarely within that category, hence attracting the hefty fine.
Some fans may hail Bosa for being so bold, while others believe that all athletes should be apolitical and perform without expressing political statements. The whole incident adds to Bosa’s litany of controversies, including his past social media posts that received criticism.
Despite the setbacks, he has remained brilliant in the field, beginning with being called the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and various Pro Bowl selections.
Wearing the MAGA hat is not a matter of politics but rather instantly aligned him with a class of people looking up to him for inspiration. One needn’t look further than the fact that athletes may indeed be considered role models for proof that this is the case.
This is not the first controversy in which Bosa finds himself embroiled. In 2019, before entering the NFL, there were several incendiary social media posts on which Bosa had to account, including comments against former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and ‘liking’ posts that utilized offensive hashtags. His activity on social media, often aligning with conservative views, has painted him as polarizing actually among fans and even within the NFL community.
Some fans love Bosa’s audacity to show his feelings, adding that it’s a nod, reminding them that professional athletes, too, have personal opinions. Others feel it’s out of place in the NFL-a venue often fostering unity and neutrality.
The case involving Bosa simply renews the question that has always been asked in sports: should athletes use their platform for personal expression or just be what they are-entertainers and role models? Nick Bosa has since become a top factor for the 49ers, evidencing that now as a four-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
His speed, strength, and awareness on the field make him one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. He is an important player to the 49ers, not just because of how well he performs but also due to his confidence, grit, and all-for-the-team attitude. His talent on the field remains undisputed while his choices off the field draw scrutiny.
This fine, however, marked yet another instance whereby the NFL reminded players of the balance they need to strike between personal expression and professional guidelines. To Bosa, this may have been another minute of expression. By no means does he seem to back down, even with impending fines that may come for similar decisions. Some fans question his choices, though in many ways he’s admired for staying true to himself, no matter what the rulebook says.