Santa Clara, CA – August 7, 2025
San Francisco’s football community was rocked this week when a recently released rookie wide receiver became the center of controversy, all sparked by a single social media post.
Just days after being cut by the 49ers, a young wideout who had shown plenty of promise shocked fans with a provocative move. Despite not signing with any new team, he posted a photo of himself wearing a Packers uniform on his Instagram story — a gesture widely seen as a direct provocation toward his former team and the 49ers fanbase.
The player in question is Mac Dalena, who turned heads at Fresno State in 2024 with 64 receptions, 1,065 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He was one of only seven FBS wide receivers with at least five catches of 50-plus yards last season, and throughout his college career, he dropped only four passes on 178 targets.
The firestorm erupted immediately after Dalena’s story went live, even though he has no agreement or contract with the Packers. The post was deleted within minutes, but not before screenshots spread rapidly on social media, fueling debates about the real motivation behind such an act.
Nick Bosa didn’t hide his disappointment:
“I hope the Packers give him a shot — not just to play, but to feel the fire he lit in me. This isn’t just about discipline anymore. It’s about gratitude. And without that, it’s hard to see a future for him in the NFL.”
Even though Dalena removed the post almost instantly, the fallout remains. Many questioned his professionalism and his respect for the team that gave him a shot. Posting in a rival’s jersey — especially when no deal is in place — is seen by many as a provocative, if not outright taboo, move in professional football circles.
From a rookie with impressive college stats, Dalena now faces a wave of skepticism about his maturity. As he waits for a real opportunity, his story is a reminder: one thoughtless social media moment can change everything in an NFL career.
