The Washington Commanders were just getting into their groove at minicamp. Then came the internet’s favorite pastime—overanalyzing a clip out of context. This time, it was Deebo Samuel catching strays. And George Kittle wasn’t having any of it.
A short video showing Samuel running a less-than-explosive route during group install drills surfaced on social media, instantly blowing up. It sparked thousands of comments, reposts, and takes. Some fans called him washed. Others questioned if the Commanders made a mistake. Then Kittle, who spent years grinding alongside Samuel in San Francisco, stepped in with a simple message: back off.
A Viral Clip, A Viral Response
The clip itself didn’t show much—just Samuel jogging through a routine play. But that didn’t stop fans from drawing conclusions.
One NFL-themed account posted the video with a vague prompt, “Notice anything?” That opened the floodgates. Criticism poured in, targeting everything from Samuel’s footwork to his burst—or lack of it.
Then came the rebuttal. Kittle quote-posted the video with a short reply: “It’s called group install when players jog thru plays. Knock it off.”
That message? Loud and clear. It quickly racked up over 215,000 impressions, spreading across football corners of social media like wildfire.
Loyalty Runs Deep, Even on Different Sidelines
Kittle’s reaction wasn’t out of left field. He and Samuel formed one of the NFL’s grittiest offensive duos over the last half-decade.
They came up together in San Francisco—Samuel as a second-round pick in 2019, Kittle already hitting his stride as one of the league’s top tight ends. They battled through injuries, deep playoff runs, and heartbreaks, all while carrying a heavy load for Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
So yeah, even if they’re in different locker rooms now, that bond doesn’t fade overnight.
And Kittle knows Samuel better than a 12-second video ever could.
Deebo’s Resume Isn’t Just Hype
Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here.
Samuel’s 2021 season was ridiculous. He caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and added 365 rushing yards with a total of 14 touchdowns. He didn’t just move the chains—he dragged defenses across the field. And while he hasn’t quite replicated that campaign, he’s still been a consistent weapon for San Francisco.
In 81 games with the 49ers, Samuel put up:
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4,122 receiving yards
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1,130 rushing yards
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38 total touchdowns (regular and postseason)
You don’t stumble into those numbers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his performance over the years:
| Season | Games Played | Rec Yards | Rush Yards | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15 | 802 | 159 | 6 |
| 2020 | 7 | 391 | 53 | 1 |
| 2021 | 16 | 1,405 | 365 | 14 |
| 2022 | 13 | 632 | 232 | 5 |
| 2023 | 15 | 892 | 210 | 7 |
| 2024 | 15 | 842 | 111 | 5 |
Sure, the eye-popping numbers from 2021 haven’t returned—but neither has his impact disappeared.
New Team, New Chapter, Same Chip
Samuel’s trade to Washington in March caught some fans off guard. The 49ers moved him for a fifth-round pick, which—on paper—feels low. But San Francisco had cap priorities and a young star in Brandon Aiyuk emerging.
Now, he steps into a new setup in D.C., paired with a young quarterback who just took the team to an NFC Championship. The expectations? High.
Samuel, at 29, isn’t being asked to be the old Deebo every snap. Washington just needs him to be this version—experienced, battle-tested, and dangerous.
Even if he’s not clocking 21 mph during install drills.
Social Media’s Obsession with Micro Moments
Why did this video blow up in the first place? It’s a weird pattern in NFL offseason culture—short clips, no context, instant hot takes.
There was no defensive back. No real speed. It was a walkthrough. But that didn’t stop armchair analysts from pouncing.
And this isn’t new. Every year, someone gets clipped mid-stretch or halfway through a half-speed rep and suddenly becomes a trending topic.
Sometimes it’s harmless. Other times, it sticks.
It only takes:
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5 seconds of footage
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1 snarky caption
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A few dozen retweets
…and suddenly, you’ve got a “decline” narrative on your hands.
Quiet Confidence Heading into 2025
Despite the noise, Samuel hasn’t responded directly to the viral chatter. He doesn’t need to. He’s done his talking with his play.
The Commanders are betting on that. They didn’t bring him in to win OTAs—they brought him in to win playoff games.
He brings more than stats. He brings scars from battles deep into January. He brings toughness, versatility, and leadership. That’s the stuff you can’t see in a 12-second clip.
And luckily for him, Kittle had time that day.
