Deebo Samuel

American wide receiver who became one of the NFL's most versatile offensive weapons, earning three Pro Bowl selections with the San Francisco 49ers.

Born in Inman, South Carolina, Tyshun Raequan "Deebo" Samuel developed his football skills at Chapman High School, where he played multiple positions including quarterback, receiver, and defensive back. He earned his nickname from the character in the movie "Friday." Samuel committed to the University of South Carolina, where he played three seasons for the Gamecocks from 2016 to 2018. During his college career, he accumulated over 2,000 receiving yards and demonstrated the versatility that would become his professional trademark. The San Francisco 49ers selected Samuel with the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, recording 57 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns while adding 159 rushing yards. His breakout season came in 2021 when he amassed 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns, plus 365 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Samuel played a crucial role in the 49ers' playoff runs, including their advancement to the NFC Championship Game in both the 2019 and 2021 seasons. Samuel's unique skill set has redefined the modern receiver position through his "wide back" role, where he lines up in the backfield and functions as both a runner and receiver. His exceptional yards-after-catch ability and physical running style make him particularly difficult to tackle in open space. He has consistently ranked among the NFL's leaders in yards after catch and has become one of the few receivers to regularly contribute significant rushing statistics. His versatility has earned him two Pro Bowl selections and recognition as one of the league's most dynamic offensive weapons. Samuel represents the evolution of the receiver position in modern football, where versatility and multiple skill sets are increasingly valued. His success has influenced how teams utilize receivers and has contributed to the 49ers' offensive innovation under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Dynamic playmaker known for yards after catch, versatility in multiple positions, and explosive speed

Samuel has helped popularize the modern versatile receiver role, demonstrating how players can impact games from multiple positions within an offensive system.

• Pro Bowl 3x
• NFC Championship 2023
• Super Bowl LVI (runner-up)
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2018)
• Second-team All-Pac-12 (2017)