Sports world reacts to Lions-49ers NFC Championship Game

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions34-31 in the NFC Championship Game, advancing to play in Super LVIII, the franchise's eighth Super Bowl appearance.

The Lions seemed to be in control when they headed into halftime up 24-7. But the 49ers roared back with 17 unanswered points in eight minutes during the third quarter.

San Francisco kept the momentum going in the fourth quarter, taking a three-point lead after Jake Moody hit a 33-yard field goal with 9:52 left in the game. On the Lions' ensuing drive, they failed to convert on fourth down near the red zone and the 49ers responded with a touchdown, stretching their lead to 10 to ice the game.

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 267 yards and a touchdown and interception, andChristian McCaffrey ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Lions quarterbackJared Goff had 273 passing yards and a touchdown. David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams each had a rushing touchdown.

Another Bay Area team and the alma maters of 49ers players were among the first to offer their congratulations.

Former and current NFL players shared their thoughts on the 49ers' win, including some coming to the defense of Purdy.