His father, Galen, gave him the nickname "Deebo" after the notorious bully in the 1995 movie Friday because he was always taking things away from people as a toddler. In high school, his stepmother, Precious Martin, gave him another nickname, "Sweet Feet," due to his speed.
Lists his favorite player growing up as Reggie Bush.
Golden Nuggets
His father, Galen, gave him the nickname "Deebo" after the notorious bully in the 1995 movie Friday because he was always taking things away from people as a toddler. In high school, his stepmother, Precious Martin, gave him another nickname, "Sweet Feet," due to his speed.
Lists his favorite player growing up as Reggie Bush.
Goldmine
Samuel participated in the 49ers Annual Community Day, helping pack more than 31,000 nutritious meals in collaboration with Feeding Children Anywhere. The meals, along with groceries and backpacks, were distributed to those most in need in East San Jose.
Samuel, a South Carolina native, knew he wanted to stay close to home when he went to college. Growing up with eight siblings, family has been a staple in his life. Step-mom, Precious Martin, noted that Deebo and his siblings were always hanging out at the house and encouraging each other to accomplish their goals. One of her goals was to finally get her college degree after struggling in college during her youth. Deebo, like with the other members of his family, was there to support her, often helping her with her homework. "Deebo used to help me a lot with my math courses, he's real good in math," said Martin. "They've seen me working hard as far as working and working hard at school, a lot of sacrifices I had to make and a lot of things I had to miss out with them. I think that plays a major part in my children wanting to further their education." Her goal was accomplished when both she and Deebo graduated from college.
A retail management major at South Carolina, Samuel is passionate about fashion and his appearances in front of the camera. His fashion flair became something he was known for during his time in Columbia, usually with help from his stepmom, Precious. Martin and Samuel would often video chat while he was away from home so she could help pick out his outfits. "I love it. It makes me feel like he needs me," she said. "I can't get enough of it. I don't know if he does it more for me or more for him." Samuel was even referred to as the best dressed player at SEC Media Day. When asked about Samuel's style, a former coach remarked that his style doesn't always coincide with his personality. "Coming through here he'd always be dressed to the max. It's surprising knowing how humble he is and soft-spoken he is, but it's almost like his clothing is his alter-ego," said Steven Fusaro, who coached Deebo during his time at Chapman High. Following his football career, Samuel hopes to start his own clothing line.
College
Appeared in 30 games (27 starts) in five years at South Carolina (2014-18) and registered 148 recepts. for 2,076 yds. and 16 TDs. As a kick returner, recorded 42 returns for 1,219 yds. (29.0 avg.) and 4 TDs. Also, notched 25 rushing attempts for 154 yds. and 7 rushing TDs and converted both passing attempts in his career for TDs. As a senior in 2018, earned First-Team All-SEC honors after hauling in 62 recepts. for 882 yds. and 11 TDs in 12 games (11 starts). Also added 23 KORs for 570 yds. (24.8 avg.) and 1 TD, earning Second- Team All-America honors by the Football Writers Association of America. Started all 3 games he appeared in 2017 and recorded 15 recepts. for 250 yds. and 3 TDs. As a sophomore in 2016, started all 10 games in which he appeared in and tallied 59 recepts. for 783 yds. and 1 TD, while adding 15 carries for 98 yds. and 6 TDs. Appeared in 5 games (3 starts) as a redshirt freshman and had 12 recepts. for 161 yds. and 1 TD. Redshirted as a freshman in 2014.
Awards & Honors
2021: NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 8 & Week 10), NFC Pro Bowl, AP First-Team All- Pro, Len Eshmont Award
2023: NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 14)
Career Highlights
Finished the 2019 season with 802 rec. yds., which is 2nd all-time for most receiving yards by a rookie in franchise history.
His 57 recepts. in 2019 finished 2nd all-time for most receipts by a rookie in franchise history.
Registered 3 games with 100-or-more rec. yds. during the 2019 season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, his 3 games with 100-or-more rec. yds. became the most in a single season by a rookie in franchise history. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he became the first WR in franchise history to have 3-or-more rushing TDs in a single season. He is the first WR to have 3-or-more rushing TDs in a single season in the NFL since 2016 (WR Tyreek Hill, KC – 3 rushing TDs & WR Ty Montgomery, GB – 3 rushing TDs).
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