Watch: 49ers' Aiyuk makes incredible diving catch off Lions' defender

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) catches a ball that bounced off the face mask of Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29) during the second half of the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk makes incredible diving catch off Lions' defender

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/28/24

In need of a break, trailing the Detroit Lions 24-10 in the NFC Championship, the San Francisco 49ers got one late in the third quarter.

On a first down near midfield, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy appeared to throw an interception on a deep shot over the middle.

However, the ball deflected off the facemask of Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor and into the air, where wideout Brandon Aiyuk secured it with an incredible diving grab off the turf.

AIYUK UNBELIEVABLE!

: #DETvsSF on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gm8L5xwa9D
— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2024

Three plays later, Aiyuk caught a six-yard pass for a score, cutting the deficit to 24-17 in the blink of an eye.

As it turns out, Aiyuk's ridiculous catch swung the momentum in a big way. On the Lions' ensuing possession, running back Jahmyr Gibbs fumbled on the drive's first play, giving it right back to the 49ers.

The 49ers, smelling blood, struck fast, tying things up four plays later on a one-yard touchdown run by running back Christian McCaffrey.

More must-reads: