The 49ers won their Week 14 matchup with the Seahawks, 28–16. The victory increased San Francisco’s lead in the NFC West to four games. However, hard feelings appear to exist between the division rivals beyond the competition on the field.
Late in the game, 49ers linebacker Fred Warner intercepted a pass from Seattle quarterback Drew Lock then flipped it to teammate Dre Greenlaw. Trying to extend the play while holding a 12-point lead with three minutes remaining appeared to upset Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, who body-slammed Warner to the turf and grabbed his facemask when the two confronted each other.
Metcalf was ejected for instigating the fracas, but the tensions didn’t end with the game’s conclusion. The 49ers players hadn’t moved on from Metcalf’s actions in the postgame locker room, judging from a post to social media soon thereafter.
San Francisco long snapper Taybor Pepper wrote a post on X (formerly Twitter) asking if anyone knew ASL (American Sign Language), accompanied by a video of him signing a message. Check it out:
Anyone know ASL? pic.twitter.com/LxjKw4Z3mq
— Taybor Pepper (@TayborSnapping) December 11, 2023
Fans quickly obliged by interpreting Pepper’s message for those who aren’t familiar with ASL.
One of the first interpretations was “14 [Metcalf’s number] don’t want the smoke.”
But others soon responded to explain that Pepper’s message was stronger than that and more of a direct shot at Metcalf.
First one
— Taybor Pepper (@TayborSnapping) December 11, 2023
For those wondering which interpretation was true, Pepper confirmed that the more profane clarification (“14 f—-- around and found out”) was correct.
Signing the message was an obvious jab at Metcalf, who’s drawn attention for celebrating and trash-talking to opponents in sign language this season. The sixth-year veteran went on to troll fans criticizing a special teams player for swiping at a star opponent.
Pepper’s clip adds some spice to an already tense division rivalry. The 49ers and Seahawks don’t play again this season unless Seattle somehow makes the playoffs (which is still mathematically possible) and faces San Francisco. If that happens, Metcalf and Pepper could be working their fingers and hands extremely hard.
