Deebo Samuel has the potential to make NFL history in regular-season finale
On Sunday, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has the opportunity to achieve a rare feat in the NFL. If he can rush for just a few yards in the team’s regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, Samuel will become only the second dual-threat wideout in league history to reach 4,000 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards within his first five seasons.
Since being drafted by the 49ers in 2019, Samuel has proven himself to be a versatile player, known for his ability to both run with the ball and catch it. With 4,101 receiving yards and 996 rushing yards so far, he is on the cusp of joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Charley Taylor as the only player to achieve this milestone.
Samuel’s talent as a runner was evident from his rookie season, and he made history in Super Bowl LIV when he rushed for 53 yards, the most by a receiver in Super Bowl history. In the 2021 season, coach Kyle Shanahan made the most of Samuel’s rushing abilities, setting him up as a running back on around 11 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. Samuel set the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a wideout that season and even included rushing incentives in his contract extension the following year.
Despite the 49ers already securing the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed, Samuel is eager to make his mark in the record books. He is expected to play in the regular-season finale, with the goal of maintaining the team’s momentum and potentially achieving his historic milestone.
This season, Samuel has amassed 871 receiving yards and 214 rushing yards on 36 carries. As the 49ers prepare for the playoffs, they will undoubtedly rely on Samuel’s dual-threat capabilities as they aim for their sixth Super Bowl victory.
Fans can expect to see Samuel on the field come Sunday as he pursues his place in NFL history. With his determination and skill, he is poised to leave a lasting mark on the league.