History of Deebo Samuel in Timeline

Deebo Samuel Sr. is a professional American football wide receiver and kick returner currently playing for the Washington Commanders. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 after playing college football at the University of South Carolina, he earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 with the 49ers. Samuel was traded to the Commanders in 2025. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the sole wide receiver in NFL history to achieve 20 receiving and 20 rushing touchdowns.

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Full Timeline

1995: Nickname Origin

In 1995, Deebo Samuel was given the nickname "Deebo" by his father, named after the character from the film Friday.

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January 15, 1996: Deebo Samuel's Birth

On January 15, 1996, Tyshun Raequan "Deebo" Samuel Sr. was born. He is now a professional American football wide receiver and kick returner.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Redshirted Freshman Year

In 2014, Deebo Samuel redshirted during his true freshman year at the University of South Carolina.

2014: College Recruitment and Commitment

In 2014, Deebo Samuel, a three-star recruit, committed to the University of South Carolina to play college football.

November 5, 2017: Announcement of Senior Season Return

On November 5, 2017, Deebo Samuel announced that he would be returning for his senior season at the University of South Carolina.

2018: Successful Senior Season

During the 2018 season, Deebo Samuel recorded 882 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, with a standout performance against Clemson where he caught 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. He did not participate in the 2018 Belk Bowl.

July 25, 2019: Signed with the San Francisco 49ers

On July 25, 2019, Deebo Samuel signed a four-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted.

2019: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

In 2019, Deebo Samuel was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the NFL draft, starting his professional football career.

2019: Selection to Senior Bowl

In 2019, Deebo Samuel was selected to play in the Senior Bowl, showcasing his talent to NFL scouts.

July 28, 2020: Placed on Non-Football Injury List

On July 28, 2020, Deebo Samuel was placed on the non-football injury list at the start of training camp.

2021: First-Team All-Pro Honors

In 2021, Deebo Samuel received first-team All-Pro honors with the San Francisco 49ers, marking a significant achievement in his NFL career.

2021: Shift to Running Back and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2021, Deebo Samuel started playing running back midway through the season.

July 31, 2022: Contract Extension with the 49ers

On July 31, 2022, Deebo Samuel signed a three-year, $73.5 million contract extension with the 49ers, including $58.1 million guaranteed, after initial trade request reports.

2022: Coined the term "wide back"

At the 2022 Pro Bowl, Samuel coined the term "wide back" to refer to his position as a wide receiver that started playing running back midway through the 2021 NFL season.

2022: Performance and Injury in the 2022 Season

In 2022, Deebo Samuel had notable performances, including a game against the Rams with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. He also faced a hamstring injury and later an ankle sprain, affecting his playing time. He played in the 49ers' three postseason games, with a standout performance in the Wild Card Round.

2023: Ranked 61st in NFL Top 100 Players of 2023

Deebo Samuel was ranked 61st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2023: Strong Performances and Super Bowl Appearance

In 2023, Deebo Samuel had standout performances, including a Week 13 game against the Eagles where he earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He also played in Super Bowl LVIII, where the 49ers lost to the Chiefs.

2024: Salary Guarantee

A week after being traded, in 2024, the Commanders guaranteed Deebo Samuel's $17 million base salary and included an additional $3 million in incentives.

2024: Ranked 30th in NFL Top 100 Players of 2024

Deebo Samuel was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

2024: Jersey Changes and Touchdowns

Prior to the 2024 season, Deebo Samuel changed his jersey number from 19 to 1 and added "Sr." to his last name. He scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 1 against the Jets and had a significant receiving touchdown in Week 5 against the Seahawks.