Deebo Samuel Made Fiery Plea to GM John Lynch During Halftime of NFC Title Game

The 49ers receiver made it clear he wanted to have an impact in a comeback win.

After rallying from a 17-point deficit to win the NFC championship, many fans and media wanted to know what motivation and strategy the San Francisco 49ers utilized in their comeback versus the Detroit Lions. 

Tight end George Kittle took a more comedic approach, trying to lighten the mood by telling teammates he was going to say, “They had us in the first half, not gonna lie” after they won the game, a reference to a famous football meme.

However, receiver Deebo Samuel was far more serious about being down 24–7 at halftime. General manager John Lynch went to the locker room to check on the team and told 49ers CEO Jed York that Samuel was sitting at his stall shaking with intensity. 

“Just tell Kyle [Shanahan] to give me the damn ball,” Samuel said, Lynch told York. 

Jed York on Deebo Samuel in the NFCCG:

“Lynch went down to the locker room at halftime — down 17 points. He (John) said Deebo was just sitting there just shaking… 'Just tell Kyle to give me the damn ball', and that’s who Deebo is…”

via: @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/cCt8n7vK1s

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) February 7, 2024

“That’s who Deebo is. He’s just ready to take over a game at any point,” said York, who told the story on FanDuel’s Up & Adams show. “I’m very, very glad that he’s on our football club.”

Samuel had two catches for 21 yards and one rush for seven yards in the first half versus Detroit. He finished the game with eight catches for 89 yards, so either Lynch made sure to get that message to Shanahan or perhaps the coach could just feel Samuel’s demand for the ball. 

But really, the 49ers go as their star receiver goes. There wasn’t going to be a comeback without him having an impact on the game. Samuel just made sure to say so as a reminder.