A Season of Disappointment for Deebo Samuel and the 49ers
Just a year ago, the San Francisco 49ers were gearing up for a thrilling showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. But the tides have turned drastically. Following a dismal 6-11 finish in the 2024 season, the 49ers failed to secure a playoff spot, leaving their championship aspirations in ruins. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are chasing history, aiming for a remarkable third consecutive Super Bowl title.
A Difficult Choice: Chiefs or Eagles?
For Deebo Samuel, picking a side in Super Bowl LIX is no easy feat. On one hand, the Philadelphia Eagles are a fierce NFC rival, having crushed the 49ers in the 2022 Conference Championship Game. On the other, the Chiefs have become a recurring nightmare, defeating San Francisco in last year’s Super Bowl and again during their regular-season rematch. With no love lost for either team, Samuel has chosen to back the Eagles.
Backing His Brother in Battle
“They [Chiefs] beat me twice, so I got all the reason to hate,” Samuel admitted in an interview with Coach Yac on X. “It’s the Chiefs and the Eagles—you know I got a love-hate for both—but I got all the love for my brother AJ Brown over there, so I definitely want to see him win.”
The star receiver didn’t hold back on his feelings about Kansas City’s dominance. “I definitely don’t want to see Mahomes get the third one. I’m rocking with AJ and Saquon with this one for sure.”
AJ Brown and Saquon Barkley Rise to the Occasion
Samuel’s support for the Eagles is rooted in his admiration for AJ Brown, who delivered a stellar performance in Philadelphia’s NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders. After a quiet postseason, Brown exploded for 96 yards and a touchdown on six receptions, proving why he’s one of the league’s elite wideouts.
Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley continues to make history. The star running back rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns in the championship game, bringing his playoff total to 442 yards and five scores. With 2,005 rushing yards during the regular season, Barkley is now just 30 yards away from breaking Terrell Davis’ all-time record for rushing yards in a single season, including playoffs. A Super Bowl breakout could cement his place in NFL history.
Looking Ahead: 49ers’ Redemption Season
Despite the bitter end to their 2024 campaign, the 49ers are determined to bounce back. General Manager John Lynch has dismissed trade rumors surrounding Samuel, ensuring the star wide receiver remains in San Francisco for 2025.
This past season was particularly frustrating for Samuel, who voiced concerns over his limited role in the offense. His production took a hit, recording just 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns—one of the lowest statistical outputs of his career.
However, if there’s one thing NFL fans have learned, it’s never to count out Deebo Samuel. Expect the former All-Pro to enter the 2025 season with a vengeance, ready to reestablish himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers. But for now, his focus is on seeing the Eagles prevent Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs from making history with a three-peat.
