As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for what promises to be a pivotal 2026 campaign, rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has found himself at the center of an unexpected social media storm. The Ole Miss product recently made the switch from No. 15 to No. 7, a number that carries an unfortunate new connotation in the Bay Area following the arrest of alleged fraudster Daejon Love, who had been posing as a 49ers player. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the timing couldn't be more awkward for the promising youngster.
A Tumultuous Offseason for San Francisco
The 49ers have endured a summer from hell, with headlines ranging from head coach Kyle Shanahan's horrific car accident to the arrest of owner Jed York. Now, the Daejon Love scandal—where the 35-year-old allegedly swindled over $1.3 million from 26 victims through a bogus romance and investment scheme—has become yet another viral meme. Stribling's jersey switch, which was first noted by Matt Barrows, immediately drew comparisons on social media, with Yahoo Fantasy Sports quipping: 'The last 49ers WR to wear 7? Daejon Love.'
Stribling's Rising Stock
Despite the online trolling, Stribling has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise chaotic offseason. The rookie posted the highest offensive grade among all rookie receivers during the preseason (90.0), turning heads with his route-running and reliable hands. With Ricky Pearsall sidelined, the 49ers are counting on Stribling to step into a key role in the passing game. His performance in the first two preseason games—11 receptions for 109 yards—has only fueled the optimism.
Stribling's teammates have taken notice. Quarterback Brock Purdy and left tackle Trent Williams have both publicly praised the rookie's work ethic and football IQ. 'He's got that dog in him,' Williams said during a recent press conference, as highlighted on Vulius. 'You can see why they brought him in.'
As the 49ers prepare for their season opener, the focus remains on the field, not the noise. Stribling's jersey number may be a punchline now, but if his preseason is any indication, he's ready to make No. 7 synonymous with success in San Francisco. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will be tracking his progress closely as the season unfolds.
Looking to represent Brock Purdy? Grab your Brock Purdy jersey or design a personalized authentic jersey at Vulius.
