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Troy Aikman, Russell Yurk criticize controversial pass interference call against 49ers vs. Colts

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones12/23/25brianjones_93

Troy Aikman and Russell Yurk had a problem with a pass interference call during the San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts game on Monday night. Late in the second quarter, Colts QB Philip Rivers threw a deep pass to wide receiver Alec Pierce. 49ers cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. appeared to have broken up the play, but the officials called pass interference on him.

“The ball is a little underthrown,” Troy Aikman said on the ESPN broadcast. “I actually think Luter plays this pretty well.”

Russell Yurk then shared his thoughts on the play. “I agree, Troy,” he said. “They’re hand-fighting a little. I don’t see any clear restrictions. I don’t like that as a foul.”

The pass interference call was big for the Colts because they ended up kicking a field goal to cut the 49ers’ lead to 24-17 before halftime. But even if the penalty wasn’t called, the Colts looked strong with Rivers, who threw two touchdown passes and 175 yards in the first half.

During the Monday Night Football contest, Aikman took a shot at Rivers after seeing him try to escape the pocket. “I just know how––it made me hurt watching him try to get out of that pocket. I mean, he never was really known for… he’s checking his rear-view mirror to make sure nobody’s tailgating him,” Aikman said while laughing, per Sports Illustrated.

Rivers, who is 44 years old, returned to the NFL this month after being away from the league for five years. Before Rivers officially returned, Aikman shared his thoughts on him potentially playing for the Colts.

“I mean I love Philip Rivers as much as anybody, but — I can’t imagine being out of the game five years and coming back at 44 years old,” he said on Monday Night Countdown earlier this month. “I can’t imagine that happening.”

Aikman played in the NFL from 1989 to 2000 and left the game at 34 years old. There was no reason for Aikman to return to the NFL because he led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles.

We’ll have more on this story shortly.