1 memorable moment from each year of Deebo Samuel’s career

There were plenty of plays to pick from, so we tried to narrow down Deebo Samuel’s accomplishments to one game from each season

The San Francisco 49ers‘ trading Deebo Samuel away closed the chapter on a player who will go down as one of the more memorable players of the Kyle Shanahan era.

Today, we’ll go down memory lane and discuss some of the best moments since Deebo became a Niner. I’ll go through each season, and then you can pick your own in the comments.

2019 – Deebo steals the show in Seattle

Deebo really didn’t take off as a rookie until the team traded for Emmanuel Sanders midway through the season. Samuel only had one game of more than 50 yards receiving before the trade deadline. After acquiring Sanders, Samuel had five games of at least 50 yards, including three games over 100 yards.

He had better games statistically during the season, but Deebo saved his most impactful plays in the regular season finale that clinched the division. In Seattle, Deebo had numerous big plays, including one reception where he was tackled on the one-yard line. But the play that stands out from this game was his reverse with Joe Staley leading the way:

2020 – Deebo runs through the Rams

A foot injury, an illness, and a hamstring injury forced Deebo to sit out nearly half of the 2020 season. The year 2020 was one to forget. In this Week 12 matchup, Nick Mullens was under center, Jeff Wilson was at running back, Richie James started across from Samuel, and the tight end was Ross Dwelley.

That did not prevent Samuel from running through the Rams. The same Rams who would go on to the Divisonal playoff round lost to that group of skill players, and we know why. Samuel refused to go down on the first tackle attempt en route to 133 receiving yards:

2021 – Samuel shines at soldier field

Samuel kicked off the 2021 season with a bang after having 189 receiving yards in Week 1. That was a precursor of what was to come, as that year, we saw the most dominant version of Deebo to date. He encapsulated everything you could want in an offensive weapon. It’s tough to pick one game, so I’ll go with the one that I was at.

The offense couldn’t get anything going. They were 2-4, and looked lifeless for much of the first half. Just berfore halftime, Jimmy Garoppolo threw a deep post to Samuel, who came down with the catch. The offense settled for a field goal, but the Bears got it back. It was 16-9 midway through the third quarter. On 3rd & 20, the pressbox was on the opposite side of the field but on the 49ers sideline. You could see the play below develop to perfection. Once Deebo broke the first wave of defenders, you knew he was scoring:

The Niners would drop their next game but finish the season winning seven of their last eight. That Deebo touchdown gave the 49ers momentum for the rest of the season.

2022 – Deebo loves the Rams

You could say the same about the Seahawks. In 2022, Deebo’s two best games came against Seattle and Los Angeles. Week 4 was on Monday night football. There were not a lot of points going around in this game. On 3rd & 3, with the two-minute warning approaching in the first half, Jimmy threw a dangerous pass that was nearly intercepted. Deebo was on the other end. The safety had a clean shot on him but whiffed. The next safety had another opportunity. He missed. Then, Jalen Ramsey was 1-on-1. He also missed. Samuel’s 57-yard highlight catch won the game for the 49ers.

Deebo also caught a screen on 3rd & 13 that looked like a give-up call. Joe Buck said it was conservative. Samuel took the pass 30 yards.

2023 – A funeral in Philly

The 49ers entered Week 13 with revenge on their minds. Deebo was talking a lot of trash heading into this game. And woo boy, did he back it up. Samuel had a touchdown run, caught two through the air, and ended up with 116 receiving yards on only four targets. He also had a couple of impressive kickoff returns. It was the best game Samuel has played outside of his 2021 season, for my money, when you consider the circumstances.

2024 – Samuel shuns the Seahawks one last time

Samuel’s best game statistically came in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. His most impactful play, in my opinion, happened against the Seahawks. He may have had more production in other games, but the 76-yarder could not have happened at a better time. It would be the last time we saw this version of the 49ers offense in 2024.

It was a hell of a career for a unique player who the 49ers squeezed every ounce of talent out of, and Deebo rewarded them.

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