Commanders' Deebo Samuel just proved every hater wrong without even trying

Deebo Samuel Sr. has been getting it from all angles lately. And it's only spurring him on to silence every doubter rearing their head.

The Washington Commanders' wide receiver is currently the subject of unwarranted criticism regarding his conditioning, with everyone from former rivals to analysts claiming the versatile weapon is out of shape and past his prime.

Samuel has heard it all, and he's shutting everyone up in the best possible way. That, of course, is by putting in the hard work to ensure he's ready to hit the ground running in 2025.

Terrell Owens and Brandon Graham were the latest to fire shots at Samuel. They aren't alone, with many claiming last season's down year was the start of his downward spiral to irrelevancy.

Commanders WR Deebo Samuel Sr answers his critics in the best way imaginable

The Commanders don't hold the same opinion. They think Samuel can provide their offense with a spark that was sorely lacking last season. Based on recent social media videos regarding the wideout's pre-camp preparations away from the team, he's highly motivated to repay this faith.

Samuel has been putting in the work. He's enlisted the help of notorious receivers' tutor Route God, working on his explosiveness and quick-twitch movements alongside Carolina Panthers wide receiver and close friend Xavier Legette.

Doesn't look like a fat, out-of-shape, worthless wide receiver on the slide to me.

The Commanders took a low-risk gamble on Samuel, giving up a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers to secure his services. Considering what the former second-rounder could bring to the organization, especially if he gets a clear run of luck on the health front in a contract year, it was well worth the gamble.

These doubters and cheap shots are only going to inspire Samuel. He's a resolute character who quietly goes about his business. But make no mistake, he'll be keeping a close eye on those who've written him off and ready to clap back when the time comes to take the field in a competitive setting.

Samuel has two things on his mind in 2025. First, it's doing whatever he can to help the Commanders get over the hump and into the Super Bowl. Second, it's convincing those in power that he's worthy of another lucrative financial commitment next spring.

And if the scathing remarks from ex-pros and analysts around the media help Samuel achieve these objectives, the Commanders are only going to benefit.

So far, so good on that front.

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