• NEWS
    The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress

    The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress

    Schedule, TV, time vs Texas Rangers

    Schedule, TV, time vs Texas Rangers

    Ben Martin leads PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship

    Ben Martin leads PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship

    Access Denied

    Access Denied

    FSSAI Chief Orders 100% Packaged Water Inspection, Swift Action amid Rising Food Poisoning Cases

    FSSAI Chief Orders 100% Packaged Water Inspection, Swift Action amid Rising Food Poisoning Cases

    Free HPV vaccination drive for girls in August

    Free HPV vaccination drive for girls in August

    Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg ‘continuing to fight’ cancer

    Switzerland vs Spain: Alignments for the quarterfinals

    NEW TRAVEL ESSENTIALS RETAIL LOCATIONS FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM NEW YORK BUSINESSES ANNOUNCED FOR NEW TERMINAL ONE AT JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

    NEW TRAVEL ESSENTIALS RETAIL LOCATIONS FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM NEW YORK BUSINESSES ANNOUNCED FOR NEW TERMINAL ONE AT JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  • CAR & BIKES
    Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

    Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

    Range Rover Velar Autobiography exterior and interior image gallery

    Range Rover Velar Autobiography exterior and interior image gallery

    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Recalled Over Engine Issue

    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Recalled Over Engine Issue

    Tata Motors-owned JLR delays launch of Range Rover, Jaguar EVs, ETAuto

    Tata Motors-owned JLR delays launch of Range Rover, Jaguar EVs, ETAuto

    Porsche Taycan 4S Black Edition price is Rs 2.07 crore ex showroom

    Porsche Taycan 4S Black Edition price is Rs 2.07 crore ex showroom

    Harley-Davidson LiveWire Reveals Two Electric Bike Concepts

    Harley-Davidson LiveWire Reveals Two Electric Bike Concepts

    Kotak Mahindra Prime becomes preferred financer for Tesla EVs in India, ETAuto

    Kotak Mahindra Prime becomes preferred financer for Tesla EVs in India, ETAuto

    Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe image gallery

    Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe image gallery

    Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe Black Edition India Prices Revealed

    Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe Black Edition India Prices Revealed

  • GADGETS
    Was This the Geekiest Concert of All Time?

    Was This the Geekiest Concert of All Time?

    Apple Needs to Drop a New Version of AirPods ASAP

    Apple Needs to Drop a New Version of AirPods ASAP

    The New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Betrays Itself From the Very Start

    The New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Betrays Itself From the Very Start

    Influencers Have Arrived on ‘Foundation,’ and Somehow You Can’t Hate Them

    Influencers Have Arrived on ‘Foundation,’ and Somehow You Can’t Hate Them

    The Laws That Changed the Jedi and Republic Forever

    The Laws That Changed the Jedi and Republic Forever

    Nothing’s Headphone 1 Copied the AirPods Max’s Dumbest Accessory, and Now I Actually Need One

    Nothing’s Headphone 1 Copied the AirPods Max’s Dumbest Accessory, and Now I Actually Need One

    Taikia Waititi Will Direct The Next ‘Judge Dredd’

    Taikia Waititi Will Direct The Next ‘Judge Dredd’

    A Seaworthy Bluetooth Speaker That Dunks on the Competition

    A Seaworthy Bluetooth Speaker That Dunks on the Competition

    Our Best View Yet of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

    Our Best View Yet of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

  • BOLLYWOOD
    Mahesh Narayanan to make biopic on former Indian F1 racing driver Narain Karthikeyan: ‘It’s about believing in yourself…’ | Malayalam Movie News

    Mahesh Narayanan to make biopic on former Indian F1 racing driver Narain Karthikeyan: ‘It’s about believing in yourself…’ | Malayalam Movie News

    Deepak Tijori was in shock after seeing VHS tape of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ at Shah Rukh Khan’s table; Abbas-Mustan replaced him in ‘Baazigar’ without his knowledge | Hindi Movie News

    Deepak Tijori was in shock after seeing VHS tape of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ at Shah Rukh Khan’s table; Abbas-Mustan replaced him in ‘Baazigar’ without his knowledge | Hindi Movie News

    Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara Spotted Shooting A Scene In Kerala In Traditional Outfits For Anil Ravipudi’s Movie; Video Leaks Online | Telugu Movie News

    Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara Spotted Shooting A Scene In Kerala In Traditional Outfits For Anil Ravipudi’s Movie; Video Leaks Online | Telugu Movie News

    Aftab Shivdasani once revealed he faced casting couch during early days in his career: ‘He used to call me late at night…’ |

    Aftab Shivdasani once revealed he faced casting couch during early days in his career: ‘He used to call me late at night…’ |

    Adnan Sami recalls Lata Mangeshkar singing for his father on his deathbed: ‘There were tears coming out of his eyes’ |

    Adnan Sami recalls Lata Mangeshkar singing for his father on his deathbed: ‘There were tears coming out of his eyes’ |

    Ananya Panday celebrates Bhumi Pednekar’s birthday with a rare throwback photo: ‘We’ve come a long way…’ | Hindi Movie News

    Ananya Panday celebrates Bhumi Pednekar’s birthday with a rare throwback photo: ‘We’ve come a long way…’ | Hindi Movie News

    Inside Sonu Sood’s new luxury home with a wall full of expensive sneakers; Farah Khan suggests he start a mango business after visiting his garden | Hindi Movie News

    Inside Sonu Sood’s new luxury home with a wall full of expensive sneakers; Farah Khan suggests he start a mango business after visiting his garden | Hindi Movie News

    Kareena Kapoor wishes Priyanka Chopra happy 43rd birthday, calls her destined for ‘global domination’; shares throwback pic | Hindi Movie News

    Kareena Kapoor wishes Priyanka Chopra happy 43rd birthday, calls her destined for ‘global domination’; shares throwback pic | Hindi Movie News

    ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer: Karl Urban joins the sequel as Johnny Cage; shines in an epic battle |

    ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer: Karl Urban joins the sequel as Johnny Cage; shines in an epic battle |

  • SPORTS

    Arsenal transfers: Noni Madueke joins from Chelsea

    Jose Mourinho wants Portugal coaching return in ‘height of career’

    WNBA players standing firm after ‘wasted’ CBA talks with league

    WNBA players standing firm after ‘wasted’ CBA talks with league

    Miami coach prefers ‘rest’ for Messi instead of All-Star Game

    Sights and sounds from the Open Championship’s second round

    Sights and sounds from the Open Championship’s second round

    Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator

    Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator

    2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend: Live updates, results, analysis from Friday

    Brazil legend Marta saddened by conditions at Copa América

    Judging 2025 NFL offseason overreactions: Bucs, Browns, more

    Judging 2025 NFL offseason overreactions: Bucs, Browns, more

  • DARTJETS VIDEOS
    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    TRAINS  COLLISIONS  SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    TRAINS COLLISIONS SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    AI Threats

    AI Threats

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN –  The Secret of Healty Life

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN – The Secret of Healty Life

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress

    The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress

    Schedule, TV, time vs Texas Rangers

    Schedule, TV, time vs Texas Rangers

    Ben Martin leads PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship

    Ben Martin leads PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship

    Access Denied

    Access Denied

    FSSAI Chief Orders 100% Packaged Water Inspection, Swift Action amid Rising Food Poisoning Cases

    FSSAI Chief Orders 100% Packaged Water Inspection, Swift Action amid Rising Food Poisoning Cases

    Free HPV vaccination drive for girls in August

    Free HPV vaccination drive for girls in August

    Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg ‘continuing to fight’ cancer

    Switzerland vs Spain: Alignments for the quarterfinals

    NEW TRAVEL ESSENTIALS RETAIL LOCATIONS FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM NEW YORK BUSINESSES ANNOUNCED FOR NEW TERMINAL ONE AT JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

    NEW TRAVEL ESSENTIALS RETAIL LOCATIONS FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM NEW YORK BUSINESSES ANNOUNCED FOR NEW TERMINAL ONE AT JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  • CAR & BIKES
    Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

    Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

    Range Rover Velar Autobiography exterior and interior image gallery

    Range Rover Velar Autobiography exterior and interior image gallery

    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Recalled Over Engine Issue

    Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Recalled Over Engine Issue

    Tata Motors-owned JLR delays launch of Range Rover, Jaguar EVs, ETAuto

    Tata Motors-owned JLR delays launch of Range Rover, Jaguar EVs, ETAuto

    Porsche Taycan 4S Black Edition price is Rs 2.07 crore ex showroom

    Porsche Taycan 4S Black Edition price is Rs 2.07 crore ex showroom

    Harley-Davidson LiveWire Reveals Two Electric Bike Concepts

    Harley-Davidson LiveWire Reveals Two Electric Bike Concepts

    Kotak Mahindra Prime becomes preferred financer for Tesla EVs in India, ETAuto

    Kotak Mahindra Prime becomes preferred financer for Tesla EVs in India, ETAuto

    Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe image gallery

    Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe image gallery

    Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe Black Edition India Prices Revealed

    Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe Black Edition India Prices Revealed

  • GADGETS
    Was This the Geekiest Concert of All Time?

    Was This the Geekiest Concert of All Time?

    Apple Needs to Drop a New Version of AirPods ASAP

    Apple Needs to Drop a New Version of AirPods ASAP

    The New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Betrays Itself From the Very Start

    The New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Betrays Itself From the Very Start

    Influencers Have Arrived on ‘Foundation,’ and Somehow You Can’t Hate Them

    Influencers Have Arrived on ‘Foundation,’ and Somehow You Can’t Hate Them

    The Laws That Changed the Jedi and Republic Forever

    The Laws That Changed the Jedi and Republic Forever

    Nothing’s Headphone 1 Copied the AirPods Max’s Dumbest Accessory, and Now I Actually Need One

    Nothing’s Headphone 1 Copied the AirPods Max’s Dumbest Accessory, and Now I Actually Need One

    Taikia Waititi Will Direct The Next ‘Judge Dredd’

    Taikia Waititi Will Direct The Next ‘Judge Dredd’

    A Seaworthy Bluetooth Speaker That Dunks on the Competition

    A Seaworthy Bluetooth Speaker That Dunks on the Competition

    Our Best View Yet of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

    Our Best View Yet of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

  • BOLLYWOOD
    Mahesh Narayanan to make biopic on former Indian F1 racing driver Narain Karthikeyan: ‘It’s about believing in yourself…’ | Malayalam Movie News

    Mahesh Narayanan to make biopic on former Indian F1 racing driver Narain Karthikeyan: ‘It’s about believing in yourself…’ | Malayalam Movie News

    Deepak Tijori was in shock after seeing VHS tape of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ at Shah Rukh Khan’s table; Abbas-Mustan replaced him in ‘Baazigar’ without his knowledge | Hindi Movie News

    Deepak Tijori was in shock after seeing VHS tape of ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ at Shah Rukh Khan’s table; Abbas-Mustan replaced him in ‘Baazigar’ without his knowledge | Hindi Movie News

    Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara Spotted Shooting A Scene In Kerala In Traditional Outfits For Anil Ravipudi’s Movie; Video Leaks Online | Telugu Movie News

    Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara Spotted Shooting A Scene In Kerala In Traditional Outfits For Anil Ravipudi’s Movie; Video Leaks Online | Telugu Movie News

    Aftab Shivdasani once revealed he faced casting couch during early days in his career: ‘He used to call me late at night…’ |

    Aftab Shivdasani once revealed he faced casting couch during early days in his career: ‘He used to call me late at night…’ |

    Adnan Sami recalls Lata Mangeshkar singing for his father on his deathbed: ‘There were tears coming out of his eyes’ |

    Adnan Sami recalls Lata Mangeshkar singing for his father on his deathbed: ‘There were tears coming out of his eyes’ |

    Ananya Panday celebrates Bhumi Pednekar’s birthday with a rare throwback photo: ‘We’ve come a long way…’ | Hindi Movie News

    Ananya Panday celebrates Bhumi Pednekar’s birthday with a rare throwback photo: ‘We’ve come a long way…’ | Hindi Movie News

    Inside Sonu Sood’s new luxury home with a wall full of expensive sneakers; Farah Khan suggests he start a mango business after visiting his garden | Hindi Movie News

    Inside Sonu Sood’s new luxury home with a wall full of expensive sneakers; Farah Khan suggests he start a mango business after visiting his garden | Hindi Movie News

    Kareena Kapoor wishes Priyanka Chopra happy 43rd birthday, calls her destined for ‘global domination’; shares throwback pic | Hindi Movie News

    Kareena Kapoor wishes Priyanka Chopra happy 43rd birthday, calls her destined for ‘global domination’; shares throwback pic | Hindi Movie News

    ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer: Karl Urban joins the sequel as Johnny Cage; shines in an epic battle |

    ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer: Karl Urban joins the sequel as Johnny Cage; shines in an epic battle |

  • SPORTS

    Arsenal transfers: Noni Madueke joins from Chelsea

    Jose Mourinho wants Portugal coaching return in ‘height of career’

    WNBA players standing firm after ‘wasted’ CBA talks with league

    WNBA players standing firm after ‘wasted’ CBA talks with league

    Miami coach prefers ‘rest’ for Messi instead of All-Star Game

    Sights and sounds from the Open Championship’s second round

    Sights and sounds from the Open Championship’s second round

    Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator

    Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator

    2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend: Live updates, results, analysis from Friday

    Brazil legend Marta saddened by conditions at Copa América

    Judging 2025 NFL offseason overreactions: Bucs, Browns, more

    Judging 2025 NFL offseason overreactions: Bucs, Browns, more

  • DARTJETS VIDEOS
    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Ultimate Relaxation Peaceful Music with Tranquil Backwater Sea Sound Yoga, Meditation & Sleep Music

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Multiplayer Games of 2023

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    Ultimate Relaxing Soothing Meditation Music: Find Inner Peace and Serenity

    TRAINS  COLLISIONS  SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    TRAINS COLLISIONS SAFETY TECHNOLGY

    AI Threats

    AI Threats

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    The Battle of Wealth Diamonds vs Gold

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    DAILY COMMON FOOD AROUND THE WORLD

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    Instant Pain Relief Using Kitchens Ingredients

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN –  The Secret of Healty Life

    VEGETARIANISM & VEGAN – The Secret of Healty Life

No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home SPORTS

Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams provide 49ers with leadership

Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams provide 49ers with leadership

  • Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams provide 49ers with leadership

    Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff WriterJan 24, 2024, 06:37 AM ET

    Close

      Nick Wagoner is an NFL reporter at ESPN. Nick has covered the San Francisco 49ers and the NFL at ESPN since 2016, having previously covered the St. Louis Rams for 12 years, including three years (2013 to 2015) at ESPN. In his 10 years with the company, Nick has led ESPN’s coverage of the Niners’ 2019 Super Bowl run, Colin Kaepernick’s protest, the Rams making Michael Sam the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL, Sam’s subsequent pursuit of a roster spot and the team’s relocation and stadium saga. You can follow Nick via Twitter @nwagoner

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It was July 30, 2022, three months after Deebo Samuel had requested a trade in the middle of lengthy and occasionally contentious contract negotiations, and the San Francisco 49ers receiver was sitting on a couch in left tackle Trent Williams‘ home.

Samuel was waiting on a phone call, hoping to end the “most stressful” time of his life with a life-changing new deal. Finally, it came — official news from agent Tory Dandy that Samuel’s three-year extension with $58.1 million in guaranteed money was done.

“We was just chilling,” Samuel told ESPN, smiling at the memory while sitting near Williams on another couch in the 49ers’ public relations office. “And then we just went crazy.”

Samuel jumped off the couch, yelled and bolted out the door, running up and down the street of Williams’ Morgan Hill neighborhood in celebration. Williams, who served as consigliere to Samuel and Niners coach Kyle Shanahan throughout the negotiations, filmed it all.

“I just went on ahead and started recording,” Williams said. “I needed to capture that memory.”

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

In 49ers lore, it’s a moment that could be remembered for much more, as the team kept one of its best players and ensured that Samuel, 28, and Williams, 35, could continue setting a physical, confident tone in the franchise’s pursuit of a sixth Lombardi Trophy. It was a significant benchmark in a fast friendship that has developed since Williams was traded to the Niners in 2020.

For Samuel, the do-it-all “wide back,” it meant more opportunities to pick Williams’ brain and perfect his craft. For Williams, the stalwart blindside protector, it meant more lessons in the art of trash talk as a byproduct of Samuel’s supreme self-confidence.

Together, the former roommates have built a bond that has become the heartbeat of the 49ers’ identity. It’s no coincidence they are the first two players opponents see when the Niners step on the field in their WWE-style “Bumpboxx” entrances every week, a pregame tradition the team hopes Samuel will be able to take part in before Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions (6:30 p.m. ET, Fox).

Samuel is dealing with a left shoulder injury suffered in Saturday’s divisional round against the Green Bay Packers and is 50/50 to play Sunday because of the injury, which is not a repeat of the hairline fracture he suffered earlier in the season. The offense struggled without him in a come-from-behind victory Saturday.

“You can just see it every time our team walks out,” tight end George Kittle said. “It’s swagger. It’s like when they bring that out there, it just kind of elevates everyone else around them and it just gives this team a confidence. … They just have this aura about them that just incites being a great football player.”


GROWING UP IN South Carolina, Samuel loved playing football but was never much for watching it. He still rarely consumes games for fun and remains largely averse to in-depth film study, though he does that more than he used to.

Which is why it’s no surprise that when Samuel joined former Niners running back Jerick McKinnon for a workout at O Athletik gym in Houston in summer 2020, he had no idea his new left tackle was not only working out in the same place but also part owner.

Samuel and McKinnon were discussing how the 49ers would replace retiring left tackle Joe Staley when McKinnon stopped Samuel, pointed to the 6-foot-5, 318-pound Williams on the other side of the gym and gave Samuel a quick scouting report.

“I didn’t really know who Trent was,” Samuel said. “I’m like, ‘S—, looks like we’re going to need his ass.’ I walked up to him and we were just chopping it up. … From there, the relationship kept building and building and building.”

Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams became fast friends after the 49ers traded for Williams prior to the 2020 season. Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Despite the fact Samuel was about to be a freshman at Chapman (South Carolina) High School when Washington selected Williams with the fourth pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the duo wasted no time finding common ground. They immediately bonded over grueling offseason workouts so difficult both immediately curse at their mere mention.

Five or six days a week, Williams and Samuel participated in 2½-hour workouts, many under the blazing Texas sun. The worst of those were spent on the track, where they’d alternate running 400-, 500- and 600-meter sprints followed by 200-meter hurdles. Those would be mixed among hill runs and sand pit, pool and field work.

The closer to training camp they got, the more they’d turn up the intensity on the vomit-inducing sessions. That shared experience formed the foundation of Samuel and Williams’ friendship.

“It was just a litany of hard-ass workouts,” Williams said. “The more time we spent doing those things and being active, it just created conversation and memories that only people going through it with you can have.”

Despite the difference in their age and position, Shanahan wasn’t surprised that Samuel and Williams became fast friends.

“They’re both such good players and such unique players,” Shanahan said. “There are no tackles like Trent, and there are no receivers like Deebo. … If you would have asked me if they would’ve been tight, I would’ve definitely thought so.”


AS IT TURNED out, the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for Samuel and Williams to go from teammates to roommates. When Santa Clara County shut down 49ers home games late in the 2020 season, the Niners relocated to Arizona to finish the year.

Samuel and Williams rented a house and lived together for the final month of the season. Living in the Phoenix area, they spent most of their time at the house relaxing and talking about a wide variety of topics, ranging from their shared love of basketball and music to balancing football and family life.

“We had to find something to do after practice and playing the games,” Samuel said. “So, it was mostly just talking s—. Just normal stuff.”

The pair also discovered a few of each other’s quirks. Much to Samuel’s confusion, he would get home from games to find Williams in the clothes the 320-pound lineman wore home, covered with a blanket and getting a full night’s sleep on the living room couch.

2023 NFL Playoffs

• Conference championship preview, schedule »
• Overreacting to the divisional round (ESPN+) »
• Most fascinating divisional round plays (ESPN+) »
• Full playoff bracket and schedule »

That month not only cemented their friendship and established Williams as the only player Samuel would confide in about his contract situation, but it also provided them an opportunity to learn from each other.

Even as the 49ers slipped to an injury-ravaged 6-10 record in 2020, Samuel would walk into the kitchen and be greeted with the same sight nearly every night — Williams watching tape of upcoming opponents or himself, either from games or in practice, and painstakingly evaluating each rep.

For Samuel, it was a front-row seat to how an established star is able to consistently produce at an elite level, an issue that has popped up a couple times in the receiver’s career, including in a 2022 season that Samuel has called “awful” because he was out of shape and sluggish.

Although Williams and Samuel play different positions, Samuel came to recognize he and Williams were rare talents and that by observing and following Williams, he could maximize his own skills.

“As you look around the league, you see the whole league trying to copy everything that he does,” Samuel said. “But they can’t do it. He’s a one-of-one player.”

It’s a description that also applies to Samuel, who this year joined Hall of Famer Charley Taylor as the only players in NFL history to have at least 4,000 receiving and 1,000 rushing yards in their first five seasons. Like Williams, Samuel also takes pride in making sure his opponents feel him days after they’ve played.

Although Williams is the more experienced veteran, he, too, has learned plenty from Samuel. Odd as it might seem for an 11-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, Williams spent most of his career refraining from trash talk for fear he couldn’t back it up.

But that’s not how Samuel operates. Samuel runs with a fury and passion that Williams said is unmatched. Samuel’s father encouraged him at a young age to approach every game as though he’s the best player on the field, and if that turned into some choice words for his opponent as a motivational tool, so be it.

That approach often manifests into Samuel being a willing trash talker before, during and after games. For some, that might be a problem. For Samuel, it’s a fire stoker and often results in some of his best performances.

After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in last year’s NFC Championship Game, Samuel repeatedly insisted the game would have been different had quarterback Brock Purdy not suffered a season-ending elbow injury in the first quarter. He doubled down by calling Eagles cornerback James Bradberry “trash” on the “I Am Athlete” podcast.

Top stories of the week from

Get exclusive access to thousands of premium articles a year from top writers.
• NFL execs make predictions for 2024 »
• Grades: How Hoskins helps the Brewers »
• NBA trade deadline: Western Conf. teams »
More ESPN+ content »

Before the Niners’ 42-19 December destruction of the Eagles in Philadelphia, Samuel stood behind everything he said. He promptly dropped 138 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

“That’s why I don’t take nothing back that I say,” Samuel said. “I stand on everything I say. If you stop me, you got the best of me, but it’s going to be hard. It’s going to be a long day.”

While Samuel has always been as fearless with his words as his play, it’s a trait Williams has wanted but never embraced. In watching Samuel repeatedly back up all of his words with his actions, Williams has grown increasingly unafraid to say what’s on his mind, no matter how many feathers get ruffled.

That’s why Williams joined Samuel wearing all black for that Philadelphia game and later declaring they had dressed “for a funeral.”

“I talk s— when I’m mad, but I wish I can wake up out of the bed and say you can’t f— with me and then go out there and show that you can’t f— with me and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Williams said. “And when you’re dealing with professional athletes, to me that’s like the trump card.

“It’s like you got the confidence to tell somebody that gets paid millions of dollars that he can’t do something and then go and show him that he can’t do it. Now I’ve started to relax a little bit and let go a little bit. … I really learned that from him.”


THE 49ERS HAVEN’T had many obstacles in reaching their fourth NFC title game in the past five years. There was, however, that three-game losing streak that followed a 5-0 start. Given their value, it’s unsurprising that the losing streak came when Samuel and Williams were out because of shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively.

After the Week 9 bye, Samuel and Williams returned and the Niners rattled off six straight wins by an average margin of 19 points.

This season, when Williams and Samuel were on the field together, the Niners averaged 7.2 yards per play and posted 148.38 offensive expected points added (EPA). When neither Williams nor Samuel was on the field, the Niners averaged 5.3 yards per play and had a minus-19.85 offensive EPA.

“They’ve had so much success and helped build this place to what it is now,” Purdy said. “Those are two of the guys that I always want to be playing with, and it helps out with my confidence every play.”

Purdy’s sentiment is shared by many in the 49ers locker room. As the Niners chase another Super Bowl trip, they’ll find confidence and inspiration simply by looking and finding Williams and Samuel in their customary spot at the front of the Bumpboxx line. It’s a modern version of having the baddest dudes on the team getting off the bus first.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘨’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. pic.twitter.com/SL9SED3qiV

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 3, 2023

And when the games start, Shanahan won’t hesitate to call for Samuel, when available, to get a touch or to run the ball behind Williams when his team needs a spark. It’s not just about gaining yards, it’s also about reminding the entire team what 49ers football is supposed to be about.

“They have similar styles and just the way they have fun before games, that’s them,” Shanahan said. “That’s genuinely who they are and that’s why they’re always going to be front and center. When you got the type of the talent and charisma of those two guys, it kind of sticks out.

“I think they feed off each other. And I know our team feeds off them.”

Source link

Related Posts

SPORTS

Arsenal transfers: Noni Madueke joins from Chelsea

July 18, 2025
SPORTS

Jose Mourinho wants Portugal coaching return in ‘height of career’

July 18, 2025
WNBA players standing firm after ‘wasted’ CBA talks with league
SPORTS

WNBA players standing firm after ‘wasted’ CBA talks with league

July 18, 2025
SPORTS

Miami coach prefers ‘rest’ for Messi instead of All-Star Game

July 18, 2025
Sights and sounds from the Open Championship’s second round
SPORTS

Sights and sounds from the Open Championship’s second round

July 18, 2025
Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator
SPORTS

Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator

July 18, 2025
Load More
ADVERTISEMENT

POPULAR NEWS

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed

Recent

The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress

The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress

July 19, 2025
Birthday Se Pehle Ghar Pe Machi Dhamaal || Meri Behno Ne Ki Meri Tareef || Jyotika and Rajat

Birthday Se Pehle Ghar Pe Machi Dhamaal || Meri Behno Ne Ki Meri Tareef || Jyotika and Rajat

July 18, 2025
Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

July 18, 2025

Arsenal transfers: Noni Madueke joins from Chelsea

July 18, 2025
Schedule, TV, time vs Texas Rangers

Schedule, TV, time vs Texas Rangers

July 18, 2025
Was This the Geekiest Concert of All Time?

Was This the Geekiest Concert of All Time?

July 18, 2025
Dartjets

We bring you news, magazine, personal blog, etc.

Recent News

  • The Bear’s Will Poulter splits from 14 years older model girlfriend and is growing close to stunning Top Boy actress
  • Birthday Se Pehle Ghar Pe Machi Dhamaal || Meri Behno Ne Ki Meri Tareef || Jyotika and Rajat
  • Tata Motors’ Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone in Less than 4 Years, ETAuto

Category

  • amazon
  • Blog
  • CAR & BIKES
  • CINEMA
  • DARTJETS VIDEOS
  • GADGETS
  • NEWS
  • SPORTS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2023 Dartjets India.

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
  • CAR & BIKES
  • GADGETS
  • BOLLYWOOD
  • SPORTS
  • DARTJETS VIDEOS

© 2023 Dartjets India.