George Kittle Defends Deebo Samuel Amid Viral Minicamp Criticism

Washington, D.C. — Deebo Samuel, wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, faced backlash online this week after a video of him running routes during minicamp went viral. Fans criticized his effort and speed, leading to speculation about his fitness and performance.

George Kittle, a tight end who played alongside Samuel for five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, swiftly defended his former teammate. In a response posted on social media, Kittle remarked, ‘It’s called group install when players jog thru plays. Knock it off.’ His comment gained over 215,000 impressions, along with numerous reposts from supporters.

The 21-second clip showed Samuel appearing to run at a slower pace during a routine practice drill. Critics viewed this as a sign of declining performance, especially considering ongoing trade rumors about the 28-year-old wideout.

On the Sports Seriously podcast, Kittle emphasized Samuel’s unique skills and versatility in the offense. ‘Debo is one of the most unique players in the NFL,’ Kittle said. He pointed out that isolated practice footage does not accurately reflect a player’s overall ability and impact during games.

Despite the criticism, Samuel has a strong track record. He amassed 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 16 games during the 2021 season and has accumulated over 4,000 receiving yards and more than 1,100 rushing yards in his career. His ability as a dual-threat is vital for Washington’s offense.

Kittle’s support highlights the camaraderie within the team, despite external speculation about Samuel’s future. With the NFL offseason in full swing, the Commanders hope Samuel will play a crucial role in their efforts to contend for a deeper playoff run in the coming season.