LAS VEGAS — Despite the season ending short of their goal, the San Francisco 49ers proved on the big stage that they are a gold mine of talent.
They lost Super Bowl 58 to the Kansas City Chiefs 25-22 on Sunday in only the second overtime game in Super Bowl history. The 49ers dominated the regular season so much they had a league-high nine Pro Bowlers, five of which represented their high-powered offense. Few units have as many household names with quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, left tackle Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle.
The star of the night for San Francisco at the first Super Bowl in Las Vegas wasn’t any of them. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings became only the second player in Super Bowl history to score a passing touchdown (a trick play to McCaffrey) and catch one (a throw from Purdy where he shook off two defenders after the catch). Nick Foles is the other to do so when the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 52.
I was just ready when my number was called,” Jennings, who was ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the country coming out of high school, said after the game. “… It felt awesome. … To make that play, I just think about my quarterback coach from high school. I know he’s so proud right now. Man, I thought we were going to win it.”
While Purdy is known as Mr. Irrelevant because he was the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Jennings was also selected in the seventh round at the No. 217 pick two years earlier. Both put their talents on display in the big game.
He’s unbelievable,” McCaffrey said. “He’s extremely gifted, but he plays with so much heart.”
The 49ers also had high praise for Purdy, who played in his first Super Bowl. He became a national sensation last year when he stepped in as the third-string quarterback and led the team to the NFC championship. Among his admirers is retired Super Bowl champion Drew Brees.
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