Stars and Sports: How Celebrity Fandom Shapes the Legacy of the 49ers

From Heartfelt Tributes to Passionate Cheers: Celebrities Unite in Support of the San Francisco 49ers

Bad Bunny made significant waves at Super Bowl LX with a memorable halftime performance that caught the attention of fans and media alike. The extravaganza, held at Levi's Stadium, featured an array of eye-catching moments, including audience members dressed as bushes, a surprise wedding of a real couple, and performances by powerhouses like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. However, a particularly poignant highlight emerged from Bad Bunny’s choice of attire. The Puerto Rican superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, donned a jersey that held deep personal significance and was a heartfelt tribute to his late uncle, Cutito.

In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Bad Bunny shared that the number 64 on his jersey represents the birth year of his uncle, who was a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan. The music artist recounted how he learned about football through Cutito, creating a bond that continues to resonate with him. Tragically, Cutito passed away unexpectedly two years ago, leaving a void in Bad Bunny's life. By wearing the jersey during the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny symbolically brought his uncle along to witness the grand event he would have loved, expressing a wish that he could have shared that moment in person. “Now all we need is for the 49ers to one day win the Super Bowl again,” he concluded, reflecting a shared hope among many 49ers supporters.

While some celebrities are well-known fans of the 49ers, like rapper E-40 and actor Jeremy Renner, there are others whose fandom may come as a surprise. One such celebrity is Hasan Minhaj, an actor and comedian known for his work on The Daily Show and his Netflix series, *Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj*. Growing up in Northern California, Minhaj has been a lifelong supporter of the Niners. In a talk at the 2021 Horizon Summit, he reminisced about his childhood passion for the team, recalling owning a Steve Young poster and a Deion Sanders jersey. His connection to the team not only reflects his childhood memories but also symbolizes the community spirit that sports can foster.

In addition to Minhaj, actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is another celebrity who aligns himself with the 49ers. Best known for his performances in *The Trial of the Chicago 7* and *The Matrix Resurrections*, Abdul-Mateen grew up in New Orleans before moving to the Bay Area, where he developed a dual love for both the 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. During a 2019 interview with sports commentator Rich Eisen, he openly embraced his support for both teams, bridging his Southern roots with his new Bay Area home.

Another passionate 49ers supporter is famous mixed martial artist and former UFC fighter Nate Diaz. Frequently spotted at Levi's Stadium, Diaz showcases his allegiance to the team with enthusiasm. A Stockton native, he has been seen cheering for the 49ers during games, including a notable event against the Chicago Bears in December 2025. Diaz made headlines on social media as he celebrated a home opener in 2024, sharing a moment with head coach Kyle Shanahan, further solidifying his role as a visible fan in the sports community.

These stories of celebrity fans not only illuminate their individual connections to the San Francisco 49ers but also highlight the broader cultural impact of sports in the lives of those in the public eye. Each figure brings their unique background and personal narratives to the team, creating a rich tapestry of fandom that resonates with their audiences. Whether through heartfelt tributes like Bad Bunny's jersey, nostalgia shared by Hasan Minhaj, or passionate support from athletes like Nate Diaz, the intersection of celebrity and sports continues to captivate fans and followers alike.

As the 49ers strive for greater success in the NFL, the fans who rally behind them—on and off the field—represent the passion and tenacity that fuel the team's legacy. From budding stars to seasoned performers, each celebrity adds a layer of depth to the community of supporters, reminding us that sports fandom is a shared experience that transcends personal backgrounds. These celebrities not only cheer for their teams but also reinforce the idea that sports can create connections across generations, evoke nostalgia, and serve as a reminder of those we've lost along the way.

As the team looks toward future seasons and aims to reclaim glory, the support from celebrities like Bad Bunny, Minhaj, Abdul-Mateen, and Diaz underscores the belief that the 49ers can rise again. Fans continue to build a community that thrives on shared experiences and collective aspirations, blending the worlds of entertainment and sports into a compelling narrative of camaraderie, loyalty, and hope.