History of Deebo Samuel in Timeline

Deebo Samuel is a professional American football player currently playing as a wide receiver and kick returner for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 after playing college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Samuel earned All-Pro honors in 2021 while with the 49ers and was later traded to the Commanders in 2025. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the only NFL wide receiver to achieve at least 20 receiving and 20 rushing touchdowns.

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Full Timeline

1995: Given the Nickname "Deebo"

Deebo Samuel was given the nickname "Deebo" by his father, named after the character Deebo from the 1995 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 would later become a professional football wide receiver and kick returner.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Redshirted Freshman Year

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

2014: Rated as a three-star recruit

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

November 5, 2017: Announced Return for Senior Season

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

2018: Finished Season with 882 Receiving Yards

Deebo Samuel finished the 2018 season with 882 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns, showcasing a standout performance against Clemson with 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns.

July 25, 2019: Signed Contract with 49ers

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

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.

2019: Selection for the Senior Bowl

In 2019, Deebo Samuel was selected to play in the Senior Bowl after concluding his college football season.

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 while playing with the 49ers.

2021: Elected to the Pro Bowl and Named First Team All-Pro

In 2021, Deebo Samuel was elected to the Pro Bowl and named as a First Team All-Pro, showcasing his versatility by contributing significantly as both a receiver and rusher, setting a record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a wide receiver with 8.

2021: Played Running Back

Midway through the 2021 NFL season, Deebo Samuel started playing running back.

July 31, 2022: Signed Contract Extension with 49ers

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

2022: Coined the Term "Wide Back"

At the 2022 Pro Bowl, Deebo Samuel coined the term "wide back" to describe his unique position as a wide receiver who also plays running back.

2022: Injured Ankle

In 2022, Deebo Samuel suffered a hamstring issue after Week 7 and later injured his ankle in Week 14, which caused him to miss some games. He returned in Week 18. He was ranked 61st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

2023: NFC Offensive Player of the Week

During the 2023 season, Deebo Samuel had a standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award. He also engaged in trash talk with Eagles' corner James Bradberry prior to the game. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.

2023: Ranked 61st on NFL Top 100 Players

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

2024: Salary Guaranteed

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