Tennessee fans have known about Jauan Jennings’ knack for memorable moments from his time playing college football on Rocky Top.
Whether it was the hail mary catch against Georgia, helping the Vols break the streak against Florida with a touchdown pass to Josh Dobbs, or just one of countless Ford F250-type runs that shook off opposing defenders, Jennings’ is the type of player that can make things happen on the field with his tenacity and aggression.
That’s why – especially if you ask Tennessee fans – Jennings’ historic performance against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t all that surprising.
Though the 49ers came up short in a Super Bowl LVIII overtime thriller on Sunday night, Jennings made the strongest MVP case on the team with a pair of crucial touchdowns – one throwing and one receiving.
Jennings is just the second player in NFL history to throw and catch a touchdown in the same Super Bowl, joining former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, who threw for three touchdowns and caught one touchdown in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.
Jauan Jennings had a hell off a game:
• 4 targets
• 4 catches
• 3 first downs
• 1 touchdown receiving
• 1 touchdown passing
• 79.9 run-blocking grade – 3rd highest on the team pic.twitter.com/ezLNVgdgmp— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) February 12, 2024
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With the 49ers up 3-0 in the second quarter following a scoreless first quarter to open the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan dialed up a trick play for the former Tennessee star. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw a quick pass to his left to Jennings, who then threw the ball a mile back across the field to running back Christian McCaffrey. While the ball hung in the air for what seemed like the whole second quarter, those watching the play knew that there could be daylight if everything worked out.
And it did.
Jennings completed the pass to McCaffrey who dashed up the field for a 21-yard touchdown.
JAUAN. JENNINGS. @SuperBowl TD THROW.#GBO 🍊
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) February 12, 2024
Then, after a 13-0 run from the Chiefs through the end of the third quarter, the Niners once again called Jennings’ number. Purdy threw a pass to Jennings from the 10-yard line with Jennings first finding contact at the 6-yard line.
The contact didn’t matter, though, as Jennings kept churning his legs to get through a defender while dragging another defending forward. Jennings got into the endzone for the score and officially recorded both of San Francisco’s touchdowns on the night.
What a day to HAVE A DAY!#GBO 🍊#SBLVIII on CBS
Stream on #NFLPlus— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) February 12, 2024
Had the Niners won the game, there’s an extremely likely chance that Jennings would have been named the Super Bowl MVP after a phenomenal two-touchdown performance.
Even Jennings’ quarterback on Rocky Top loved to see it.
Oh wow. You gotta love that seeing JJ throw a td in the Super Bowl 🔥🫡
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) February 12, 2024
