What Deebo Samuel Said about Grant Cohn in the 49ers Locker Room

Samuel is incredibly smart and super quick verbally. It seems like he finally is getting comfortable enough with himself to show that side to the world, or at least to the media.

This is an important story, and it happened just yesterday.

Deebo Samuel was in the 49ers locker room and he graciously decided to do an interview and give reporters his time. So we scurried across the room to his locker where he was waiting as patiently as could be. A real professional.

Near Samuel's locker is a basketball hoop, and some of the other players such as Jon Feliciano were shooting jumpers. Suddenly, Samuel decided he wanted to take a shot before the interview began. Who knows, maybe Samuel was nervous? Sometimes he seems like he might get social anxiety when it's time to speak in public. Don't we all?

So Samuel asked for someone to pass him the ball. I was standing between him and whoever had it, so Samuel added, "Hit Grant with the ball!" He laughed. I laughed. Everyone laughed. And I didn't get hit by the ball.

This is a groundbreaking event in Samuel's career, because it shows growth. He's beginning to have fun with the media, beginning to learn how to get the media on his side. Most players figure this out as they get older, and Samuel will turn 28 in January. When they're young, they're wary of the media. As they grow up, they understand how to use the media, or at least how to enjoy it.

Samuel is incredibly smart and super quick verbally. It seems like he finally is getting comfortable enough with himself to show that side to the world, or at least to the media.

Or maybe he just wanted someone to hit me in the head with a basketball. I can't be certain.