49ers’ Deebo Samuel Becomes First WR in NFL History to Accomplish Rare Feat

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s dual-threat ability as a runner and a pass-catcher makes him one of the more difficult players for opposing defensive coordinators to game plan for.

Samuel has logged 630 or more receiving yards in four of his first five seasons and 225 or more rushing yards in each of his last three seasons, and the 49ers try and put the ball in his hands as early and often as they can.

In Thursday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Samuel’s versatility helped him join an exclusive club, becoming the first receiver in NFL history to reach 20 rushing and 20 receiving touchdowns in his career.

Lenny Moore (13), Tavon Austin (10) and Jerry Rice (10) are the only other WRs in the NFL history to reach double-digit rushing touchdowns in their career.

Samuel’s 20th touchdown reception came in the second quarter on Thursday when he plucked a Brock Purdy pass out of the air and outraced the Seahawks defense 76 yards to the end zone for his first touchdown catch of the season.

It’s the second reception of 75 or more yards in his career, and Samuel has now had a reception of at least 50 or more yards in each of the last four seasons.

The 28-year-old South Carolina alum scored his 20th rushing touchdown in San Francisco’s 32-19 win over the New York Jets in the season opener, which came on a 2-yard run in the second quarter.

Samuel has had double-digit combined touchdowns in two of the last three seasons — 4 in 2021 (six receiving, eight rushing) and 12 in 2023 (seven receiving, five rushing).

He had three carries for 14 yards and two catches for 87 yards and a touchdown at halftime with the 49ers leading the Seahawks 16-3.