Deebo Samuel scored the longest touchdown of his NFL career Sunday, an 80-yard explosion down the left sideline off a hook-and-ladder play, hitting a blistering 20.39 mph. That speed, the sixth-fastest top speed on a reception this season, is the latest proof Samuel is absolutely tearing it up for the San Francisco 49ers, just three games into his “encore” with the team. It’s a massive turnaround for a player many considered “washed” and “fat” just months ago.
From Out of Shape Rookie to Superstar Resurgence
Seven years ago, as a second-round draft pick in 2019, Samuel showed up to rookie minicamp out of shape. Former 49ers receivers coach Wes Welker had to take him on daily 6 a.m., two-mile runs and post-practice sprints around Santa Clara. That tough love eventually helped Samuel become a key contributor on a Super Bowl team in his first year. Fast forward, Samuel, now 30, has been through a wild ride: superstar status, a trade request, a contract holdout, being shipped off for a Day 3 draft pick, and waiting four-plus months on the free agent market. When he re-signed with the 49ers in late July, most saw it as a low-risk, low-upside move, maybe a trick play Kyle Shanahan could pull out occasionally. But with injuries mounting among the 49ers’ wide receivers, Samuel’s role has exploded. He’s meeting every moment, trailing only Christian McCaffrey in yards from scrimmage on the team. This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a full-blown takeover.
“I’m The Same Person,” He Says. The Numbers Disagree.
What’s the real story behind Samuel’s early resurgence? Ask anyone inside the organization, or Samuel himself, and they insist there isn’t one. Samuel told the Chronicle last Thursday, “I’m the same person every day. Literally, every day. I like music, sitting in here playing cards. Just the normal, for real.” Kyle Shanahan backs it up, saying, “It’s been the same Deebo.” Cornerback Renardo Green agrees, stating, “He’s the same guy he’s always been.” But the evidence in front of us tells a different story. Samuel no longer needs a position coach to motivate him; he motivates himself. Last week, he posted his “Monday’s Morning Run” stats on Instagram: a 7’53” average pace, 247 calories burned, and 158 cadence. On Tuesday, another story showed more numbers and a video of him drenched in sweat. Tight end George Kittle confirms Samuel takes off along the trail outside Levi’s Stadium every Tuesday morning. Samuel, usually a man of few words, even broke character after his 80-yard touchdown, saying it “showed the speed that people don’t think I got.” Christian McCaffrey simply states, “He’s fast. He’s Deebo. I don’t think he’s lost a step or missed a step at all. I actually think the opposite.”
This early season performance from Samuel shows he’s not just back, he’s here to prove a point. With him looking this good, the 49ers’ receiving corps looks dangerous. He’s making sure everyone knows the speed is still there, and frankly, it seems even better than before.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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