Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel recently found himself in the crosshairs of social media scrutiny after a clip surfaced from minicamp showing him running routes. The video highlighted what many perceived as a sluggish effort, sparking a wave of mockery from fans who couldn’t resist chiming in with their humorous takes.
As Samuel became the butt of jokes, former teammate George Kittle leaped to his defense. Though they now suit up for different teams, Kittle and Samuel share a bond that transcends uniforms, having played together for five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
When the video of Samuel slowed down on social media, fans were quick to comment, with one observation noting he looked as though he was running with a “piano on his back.” Another fan playfully boasted, “Unbelievable—I’m 50+ years old and run faster than that when I’m playing backyard football with my kids and nephews.” It wasn’t long before Kittle, who has been known for his fiery support of teammates, stepped into the chat to clarify the situation. He pointed out that during training practices, players often jog through plays as part of what’s known as “group install,” urging critics to take it easy on Samuel.
Kittle’s defense resonated, garnering over 215,000 impressions and sparking a flood of likes and shares in just a few hours, as fans rallied to support not just Samuel, but the camaraderie that exists among players.
Reflecting on their time together in San Francisco, it’s clear the relationship runs deep. Kittle had already established himself in the league when Samuel arrived, drafted 36th overall out of South Carolina in 2019. From day one, Samuel made a statement, starting 11 games in his rookie season and amassing over 800 receiving yards with three touchdowns. Although injuries hindered him in his second season, he rebounded significantly in 2021, notching an impressive 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while also making his mark as a rusher.
To this day, Samuel’s contributions are notable. In his time with the 49ers, he has played 81 games, racking up over 4,000 receiving yards and more than 1,100 rushing yards, showcasing his versatility and dynamism on the field. His postseason performance is equally impressive, with nearly 1,000 total yards across four playoff appearances, solidifying his reputation as a crucial player in high-stakes situations.
In the end, the supportive comments from Kittle not only show the strength of their bond but also serve as a reminder that training camp is just that—a time to prepare for the grueling season ahead, not a stage for judgment. Samuel’s journey is just beginning anew, and with teammates who stand by him, fans can expect more electrifying moments ahead.
