While the losses took a toll, Samuel found inspiration in his younger teammates. The veteran wideout felt a responsibility to set a strong example for the rookies in the wide receiver room—Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing.
"I can't go in here and be this [frustrated] guy because, at the end of the day, I want to be the best leader I can for them," Samuel told Kay Adams in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX. "I tell them both every day—I see them out there, I see them in the meeting rooms—'Like, bro, you two, you boys got what it takes to be what the league needs for as a player.'"
Samuel has developed a particularly strong bond with Cowing, as the two have connected over their shared experience of fatherhood.
"But them two young guys, they gonna be special," Samuel said. "They gonna be real special."
Samuel admits that he may not fit the mold of a traditional locker-room leader in the eyes of the outside world. He's not one to deliver rousing speeches in front of the entire team. Instead, he leads by example and only chooses to speak up when he sees something that needs to be addressed.
"I'm not like a big rah-rah guy to get in front of the team and [give motivational speeches]," Samuel explained. "I'm really a guy putting the pads on, 'Let's go to work.' If I see some things that I know you don't do, and you do, then I'd be like, 'Yo, bro, I ain't never seen you do this before. Where does it come from?'"
In December, Pearsall reflected on what Samuel's mentorship has meant during his rookie season.
"Specifically, in the receiver room, Deebo has been a tremendous support to me, and a great leader for me, to obviously come into a room like that," Pearsall shared. "I just want to make sure that he feels appreciated because he should. I appreciate him greatly. He's been tremendous for me."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Insider reveals final 49ers pre-draft visitors before deadline
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their allotted 30 pre-draft visits on Wednesday, the final day NFL teams could host 2025 draft prospects. Among the high-profile names already reported this week were Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, Tennessee defensive end James... -
49ers rival Puka Nacua sends clear message on Brock Purdy's contract future
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is widely expected to land a contract extension worth north of $50 million per year. That seems inevitable, given the current quarterback market—unless Purdy opts to give the team a significant hometown discount. After emerging... -
Lifelong 49ers fan living his dream after being drafted by San Francisco
Not many San Francisco 49ers fans were familiar with Montana wide receiver Junior Bergen, the seventh-round draft pick the team hopes will contribute as a returner on special teams. However, Bergen knows all about the Niners, as he's been a lifelong fan, a fact he shared during... -
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan discuss the 49ers drafting Mykel Williams; Williams speaks to reporters
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after selecting Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with the 11th overall pick. Additionally, Williams spoke to reporters via Zoom. Here is everything they said. Transcripts...