Deebo proud to embody himself, son with 49ers jersey change originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
A big piece of Deebo Samuel’s past and present will accompany the 49ers wide receiver on the field next season.
In March, the All-Pro receiver announced on Instagram that he would wear No. 1 starting in 2024, after five seasons as No. 19, while the 49ers shared that the name on the back of his jersey would change to Samuel Sr.
Samuel, speaking to reporters for the first time since Tuesday, explained why he decided to make the change and what it took to make it.
“It was good,” Samuel told reporters. “That was the only number I used in my life, so I always wanted to go back.”
Samuel notably wore No. 1 during his four-year stint at the University of South Carolina, as well as at Chapman High School and the 2019 Senior Bowl.
And although it took five seasons to get it back, Samuel shared how, years ago, he made a serious attempt to get it back from former 49ers teammate Jimmie Ward, who took advantage of his seniority over the wideout’s efforts to claim first place in 2021.
“I actually offered Jimmie some money not to use it the year he used it, and he didn’t take it,” Samuel added. “He just sold it to Stefon [Diggs]but anyway.”
In April, Houston Texans star Diggs paid Ward $100,000 to wear No. 1, which he wore during his college days as Samuel.
The 49ers may have been without their No. 1 during the 2023 NFL season, but now they will have that and a Samuel Sr., who will fly up and down the field representing more than just himself.
“It was cool to get the number back and, you know, put Samuel Sr. on the back of my jersey,” Samuel said. “It kind of represents me and my son.”
