San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel created a stir on Monday with a controversial social media post expressing his frustrations. Although Samuel has since deleted the post, its impact continues to resonate across the NFL.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed the situation, calling it “water under the bridge.” Meanwhile, quarterback Brock Purdy said, “I’m going to do everything I can to get him the ball,” ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers took a measured approach in addressing Samuel’s remarks. Neither Shanahan nor Purdy challenged the receiver’s comments about his role, instead opting to sidestep the controversy.
However, one former Super Bowl champion had a much stronger reaction.
Mark Schlereth Calls Out Deebo Samuel
Former Super Bowl champion and Fox Sports analyst Mark Schlereth held nothing back when discussing Deebo Samuel’s social media post after the team’s win over the Chicago Bears.
“It would irritate me and piss me off. By the way, you lead the team in drops,” Schlereth said on “Willard and Dibs” via 95.7 The Game.
While acknowledging Samuel’s talent and versatility, Schlereth criticized what he perceived as an ungrateful attitude.
“You’re an incredible football player, and your versatility has made you a superstar — gotten you paid millions upon millions of dollars. But that’s not good enough, right? Because I’m not being paid as much as Brandon Aiyuk, or I want to be an X-receiver. I want to be something I’m not. At some point, accept who the hell you are, and be grateful for what [the 49ers] have done in creating a superstar. I don’t understand why it’s not good enough to be who you are.”
Schlereth continued his critique: “You’re not Justin Jefferson, running the X. You’re not that guy. So, I don’t understand where the disconnect comes from. I don’t understand the disappointment.
And it always comes from the wide receiver position. At what point did we make these guys so valuable that they’re so self-consumed? Because it’s always one of these guys, it feels like. In Philadelphia, it’s AJ Brown. At what point did we overvalue them to the point they feel like they’re above the team?”
The criticism didn’t stop there. Schlereth called Samuel’s behavior “pouting mode” and “selfish” in light of the team’s victory over Chicago.
A Chance for Redemption
This Thursday against the Rams, Deebo Samuel has an opportunity to silence the criticism. A strong performance could help him put both his social media controversy and early-season struggles behind him.
Historically, Samuel has been electric on Thursday Night Football. In five career games, he’s recorded 29 catches for 509 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers against the Rams are equally impressive, with 47 receptions, 639 yards, and seven touchdowns in nine career matchups.
Tight end George Kittle expressed confidence in Samuel’s ability to bounce back. “Deebo’s very close to breaking it wide open,” Kittle said. “I’m very excited for him this Thursday because I think he’s going to have one of those amazing Deebo Thursday Night games.”
As the 49ers look to keep their season on track, all eyes will be on Samuel under the primetime spotlight. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the criticism continue to follow him? Only time will tell.
