San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis has defended quarterback Colin Kaepernick over his celebration after scoring a touchdown during yesterday's playoff win against the Carolina Panthers.

Kaepernick ran in for a four-yard score in the third quarter and celebrated by mocking Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's signature 'Superman' celebration, pretending to pull apart his jersey before buttoning it up and kissing his bicep in what has become his own trademark.

Kaepernick said during the week that he wouldn't forget being selected 35 places behind first overall pick Newton in the 2011 Draft, but Davis is sure that the 26-year-old meant no offence by the gesture.

"I don't fault him for that. Look, I can't judge him. We can't judge him. He was just excited. I'm sure he and Cam are good friends. I'm sure they're close. He didn't mean any harm at all," ESPN quotes Davis as saying.

The 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game on January 19.