San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is making headlines, but this time, it’s not for his on-field performance. After the 49ers’ thrilling 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Bosa’s choice of postgame attire—specifically a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat—has sparked a league investigation.
NFL rules prohibit players from displaying personal messages related to politics, charitable causes, or personal beliefs without prior approval from the league, and it seems Bosa may have crossed the line.
Let’s dive into what happened, which rule he broke, and what the NFL might do about it.
Why the MAGA Hat Stunt Sparked Controversy
As the 49ers celebrated their Sunday Night Football win, Bosa made a bold statement. During a live postgame interview on NBC featuring his teammates Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Isaac Guerendo, Bosa entered unexpectedly wearing a MAGA hat—a slogan popularized by former President Donald Trump. Pointing to the hat, Bosa briefly hijacked the spotlight before heading to the locker room.
This wasn’t just a casual choice of headgear. Bosa’s gesture stood out, even to NBC’s sideline reporter Melissa Stark, who paused and noted, “Alright, Nick Bosa with a message there.” Bosa’s move didn’t completely shock fans familiar with his political views; he has openly supported Trump and even toned down his social media presence during the 2019 NFL Draft to avoid controversy in San Francisco. But with the 2024 election on the horizon, his hat choice is now under the NFL’s microscope.
What Does the Rule Say?
Bosa’s stunt potentially violates Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 of the NFL rulebook, which strictly prohibits players from showcasing personal messages that the league hasn’t approved. According to this rule:
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“Throughout the period on game day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including in pregame warm-ups, in the bench area, and during postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the league office.”
The rule specifies that players cannot display messages related to political activities, charitable causes, or non-football events on any equipment, including helmets, headbands, and wristbands. This policy is part of the NFL’s broader efforts to maintain a neutral playing environment free from personal or political statements.
Why Nick Bosa’s Hat Violates NFL Policy
Bosa’s “MAGA” hat falls directly within the type of messaging that the NFL’s uniform policy aims to avoid. The league’s rules ensure game day remains focused on football, whether it’s a Trump slogan or a message supporting any other political figure or cause. The NFL wants to keep politics and other divisive topics out of the arena, preferring players to use approved channels if they wish to support causes or movements.
This rule isn’t new and has been enforced across the board. Earlier, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens also found himself in hot water for wearing eye black with a personal message. And while some may see these restrictions as strict, the NFL’s policy is designed to prevent the game from turning into a political stage.
Will Nick Bosa Face Penalties?
Although Bosa won’t face suspension, a fine seems almost inevitable. NFL insiders suggest that fines for violating uniform policies are common, especially when players display political or personal messages that haven’t received prior approval. The league’s decision to fine Bosa would align with previous actions taken against players for similar infractions. According to CBS Sports, a fine is very likely as it would underscore the NFL’s stance on maintaining neutrality.
Nick has made political statements before, but this marks the first time he has done so this publicly since joining the NFL. Reporters asked him about his decision at a postgame press conference, and he replied, “I’m not going to talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time.” This subtle but firm statement suggests that Bosa saw this as a personal moment to voice his views.
Why the NFL Stays Strict on Game Day Messages
This isn’t about taking a stance on any one political side. The NFL’s policy is intended to apply equally, no matter the player’s political leanings or beliefs. Bosa would likely face the same scrutiny if he wore a hat supporting any other candidate. The rule emphasizes that the NFL isn’t a space for political messages—no matter what side of the aisle they come from.
For the NFL, consistency in enforcing this rule is critical. Allowing one message could open the door for various other political statements, transforming the field into a platform for campaigns and causes. The NFL’s policy on visible items permits only team-issued gear or league-approved items on game day.
