Hall of Famer tells 49ers WR Deebo Samuel what he probably should hear

In a Monday interview with KGMZ-FM in San Francisco, Rice said Samuel should take accountability for his poor performance.

"After you complain about not getting that many touches, you cannot drop the football because everybody is going to get down on you, and they're going to come after you," the former 49ers star wideout said. 

Rice — the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (1,549) — said he never griped about his targets in 20 seasons with the Niners, Raiders and Seahawks. 

"I never said anything about getting touches or anything like that. I just worked, man," Rice said. "I just kept working, and if you show it during practice, they're going to make the call during the actual football game where you're going to have opportunities, where you can make catches, get into a rhythm and be productive."

Samuel should listen to Rice, considering he's struggled to find his groove throughout the season. Through his first 13 games, the former first-team All-Pro is averaging a career-low 43.8 receiving yards per game and has one TD catch.    

Samuel's underwhelming year is one key reason the 49ers have nosedived after making Super Bowl LVIII last season. San Francisco (6-8) is fourth in the NFC West and will likely miss the playoffs.