New San Francisco 49ers Kicker Reveals Why He Taunted Arizona Cardinals

San Francisco, September 26, 2025

The defining moment in the San Francisco 49ers' thrilling 16-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 21, 2025, came in the final seconds when kicker Eddy Pineiro nailed the game-winning field goal.

After the successful kick, Pineiro turned toward the Cardinals' sideline and celebrated with intense fervor, leaving even his 49ers teammates surprised by his exuberance.

“Arizona did what to you? You’ve never even played for them,” head coach Kyle Shanahan asked Pineiro in the locker room after the game.

“I came here to etch my name and the San Francisco 49ers into history! If that means celebrating right in the face of a divisional rival, then I’ll do it without hesitation. It’s not just excitement—it’s a declaration of the strength and unyielding spirit of the Niners,” Pineiro responded succinctly, according to a source.

49ers fans will surely be thrilled with the confidence of their new kicker, who seems immensely proud to wear the Niners’ jersey.

Pineiro’s Performance Since Joining the 49ers

The 49ers signed Pineiro after publicly parting ways with third-round pick Jake Moody following Week 1.

Pineiro’s start was shaky, as he missed his first extra-point attempt as a 49er in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. However, since then, he has been flawless, successfully converting every field goal and extra-point attempt.

Through Weeks 2 and 3, Pineiro is 5/5 on field goals and 3/4 on extra points. His longest kick was from 51 yards.

History of the 49ers-Cardinals Rivalry

Divisional games always carry special significance in the NFL for several reasons. With only 17 games in a season, every game significantly impacts a team’s playoff chances. But divisional matchups are even more critical, as they involve direct competition with the three other teams in the division for a playoff spot.

Head-to-head records and divisional performance are key factors in determining playoff qualification and seeding.

The rivalry between the 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams has grown particularly fierce in recent seasons, making the matchup with the Cardinals seem less intense by comparison.

However, the history of the 49ers-Cardinals rivalry is still highly competitive. Since 1951, the two teams have faced off 68 times. The Cardinals have undergone multiple relocations and name changes, from the Chicago Cardinals to the St. Louis Cardinals, Phoenix Cardinals, and finally the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers currently lead the series with a 37-31 record.

In comparison, the 49ers have faced their current toughest rival, the Seahawks, only 55 times, with a losing record of 24-31 since their first meeting in 1976. This may explain why the Seahawks are such a source of frustration for 49ers fans.

But the 49ers’ longest-standing rivalry is with the Rams, with 152 matchups since 1950. The 49ers hold a 78-71-3 edge in the all-time series. Even when the Rams moved to St. Louis from 1995 to 2015, they maintained their rivalry with the 49ers in the NFC West, a true mark of a formidable opponent.

What do 49ers fans think about Eddy “Dinero” Pineiro adding spice to the rivalry with the Cardinals?