Wild Deebo Samuel slander triggers ex-teammate’s fierce public defense

Deebo Samuel Sr. is an easy target for criticism. It was the case throughout his time with the San Francisco 49ers. This trend seems to be continuing following his offseason trade to the Washington Commanders.

One recent video of Samuel came with the typical aggregator engagement farming. The wide receiver was going through drills, and people immediately connected the post to him being out of shape. Something that provoked a fierce defense from one of his old teammates along the way.

I won't mention where the post came from; they don't deserve it. But Niners' tight end George Kittle leaped to the defense of Samuel even when he didn't need to, outlining that the drill was a jog-thru install that doesn't exactly demand maximum effort.

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This was a sentiment echoed below the social media post by veteran Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. Considering he was at practice and saw first-hand what was going on, that carries far more weight than someone desperate for clicks and views in pursuit of staying remotely relevant.

It's a sign of the times. People post, and people overreact. Samuel worked exceptionally hard to improve his fitness throughout the offseason and came into the Commanders in great shape. His coaches saw it. His teammates saw it. But for some reason, the same tired narrative keeps coming up without the correct context attached.

Samuel will take this as extra motivation, or he should. The page that posted was probably thrilled that they received a response from two All-Pro performers such as Kittle and Wagner. After all, that's their main purpose above all else.

Engagement over substance, regardless of who gets hurt along the way. But the take is becoming boring, and everyone knows it but them.

The best way for Samuel to shut these accounts up is to perform well when it counts. Adam Peters still believes he's got a lot more to give, and it only cost the Commanders a fifth-round selection to find out for sure. The former second-round pick out of South Carolina has renewed purpose and motivation in a contract year. And based on reports from actual beat writers and analysts who follow the team, he's off to a tremendous start.

Still, don't let the truth get in the way of a social media post slandering someone who's achieved more than the account holder ever will.

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