In a disappointing low-scoring battle at Levi’s Stadium on January 3, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 13-3, claiming the NFC West title and the No. 1 playoff seed while holding the usually explosive 49ers offense to just 173 total yards.
As players filed into the locker room after the final whistle, cameras and reporters noticed defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos abruptly leaving the facility without speaking to anyone, a highly unusual move that immediately sparked concern among teammates and staff.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation in his post-game press conference, revealing that Gross-Matos had been playing through excruciating personal circumstances that had taken an enormous emotional and physical toll throughout the entire contest against Seattle’s potent offense.
Shanahan explained that Gross-Matos received devastating news about a close family member’s serious health crisis just hours before kickoff, yet insisted on suiting up and competing, refusing to let his teammates down in such a critical divisional showdown.
Despite the overwhelming distress, Gross-Matos recorded three tackles, one quarterback hit, and nearly recovered a fumble that could have shifted momentum, demonstrating remarkable resilience while battling both the Seahawks and his own private pain on the field.
The coach’s voice grew emotional as he described how Gross-Matos fought through tears in pre-game warmups and constant worry during plays, yet never complained, earning profound respect from everyone in the organization for his selfless commitment.
When the full story emerged in the locker room afterward, teammates were left stunned and moved to silence, many embracing one another as they processed the depth of sacrifice their defensive lineman had quietly endured in a game already filled with pressure.
This revelation has shifted focus from the bitter defeat to admiration for Gross-Matos’ courage, reminding the NFL community that players often carry unseen burdens far heavier than any opponent, turning a painful loss into a powerful testament of human strength and team brotherhood.
