San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa gained attention from conservatives as an election hero when he wore a “Make America Great Again” hat during a postgame interview on Oct. 27.
On Saturday, it was announced that Bosa had been fined $11,255 for the stunt, which prompted Trump supporters to celebrate him.
Elon Musk responded to news of Bosa's fine with an X and celebrated the end of the defense with fire and American flag emojis.
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Musk was one of Trump's most valuable allies during the main campaign.
Musk poured at least $130 million into the Trump campaign in the wake of the former president's assassination attempt, funding a massive campaign in battleground states centered on Pennsylvania.
Musk is not the only person supporting Botha following the news of the fine. Many NFL fans have been posting support for the 49ers pass rusher on social media.
“Nick Bosa gets it. Standing up for what's right is always worth the price,” one fan wrote to X.
Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk raises his hand and takes the stage at former President Trump's presidential campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 27, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Others were quick to criticize Botha for even wearing the hat. One critic brought up the fact that Bosa refused to elaborate on his stance when asked about the hat after the game.
“He is a coward. When asked to elaborate, he fled from his platform,” the critic wrote.
49ers' Nick Bosa receives great support from NFL after flashing MAGA hat
Asked about his decision to wear the pro-Trump hat, Bosa told reporters he “doesn't really talk about it,” saying only that it was a “pivotal time.”
In an interview with the media the day after the election, Botha expressed no regrets.
“It was worth it,” Botha said before being fined.
In the NFL's rulebook, Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 specifies what players can and cannot wear on game day, and prohibits political expression without league approval.
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Kelly L. Cox/Imagine Images)
Bosa has been a longtime supporter of President-elect Trump, even before he joined the NFL. In 2019, he criticized Trump's posts and former 49ers quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick due to concerns that he might not be accepted by the city of San Francisco if he was drafted by the 49ers. It was revealed that the account had been deleted.
Former Chicago Bears great Brian Urlacher expressed his support for Bosa by commenting on Bosa's Instagram post, which featured a collage of photos including the moment he showed off Trump's hat.
Urlacher wrote “MAGA” in the comment section alongside two American flags.
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San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa appears before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)
Meanwhile, Robert Rivas, the 71st speaker of the California State Assembly, called for Bosa to be traded.
“I hope (49ers CEO Jed York) trades Nick Bosa to Mar-a-Lago. As a lifelong 49ers fan, I can say I've seen enough of Bosa in California.” Rivas posted on X.
Bosa is not the only vocal Trump supporter in the league. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker also endorsed Trump earlier this year.
Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has not officially endorsed a candidate, but his mother has openly supported Trump. Mahomes' wife, Brittany Mahomes, “liked” pro-Trump posts on social media.
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