On July 13, 2026, Aiyuk shared a sequence of Instagram Stories featuring his two dogs. The clips began with him feeding the dogs raw chicken. He then posted a follow-up showing them eating what appeared to be sardines in oil, captioned “Post workout.” Initially, the footage seemed routine for a pet owner sharing a casual moment.
In the subsequent clip, Aiyuk held an oil-soaked paper bowl for the dogs to lick. As one dog began licking, he attempted to move the bowl toward the other dog. The first dog continued to lick, and Aiyuk appeared to push the first dog by the neck, warning, “Watch out! No move.” Moments later, he appeared to kick the dog in the head before throwing the empty bowl to the ground. The videos quickly circulated on social media, drawing strong reactions from fans and observers.
The incident touches on a broader issue: animal welfare. In the United States, it is illegal to intentionally harm an animal without a valid justification, a rule that applies nationwide. Depending on the severity of the incident, charges can range from misdemeanor to felony, and authorities could open an investigation if a report is filed.
Separately, Aiyuk has been entangled in contract-related drama with the 49ers. He has not played in an NFL game in over a year and a half, and questions remain about his future with the team. In December 2025, the 49ers placed him on the reserve/left squad list, meaning he is not on the active roster and is not paid by the team while on that list. If he wishes to return to play, reinstatement with the NFL would be required. At various points, Aiyuk indicated he did not plan to pursue reinstatement.
The friction between Aiyuk and the 49ers dates back to the 2024 offseason, when he sought a new contract and publicly suggested the team did not want him back. The sides later reached a four-year, $120 million contract in August 2024. However, in July 2025, the 49ers reportedly canceled more than $27 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season after determining that rehabilitation requirements in his contract had not been met. There was speculation about a potential trade, but Aiyuk’s market value had fluctuated, and his status remained unsettled as he skipped offseason activities. The 49ers still hold his NFL rights; keeping him on the reserve/left list has no direct cost to the team, so a trade or release was not immediately pursued.
One significant upcoming date was September 1. If Aiyuk applied for reinstatement before that date, he would become eligible to receive a substantial option bonus under his contract. The situation remained in flux as teams and leagues monitored developments.
This sequence of events has kept Aiyuk in the spotlight as the league watches how his rehabilitation, contract status, and personal conduct will influence his NFL career going forward.
