New Commanders Star Reveals Shocking Illness He Played Through

Deebo Samuel's Journey Through Illness and Recovery

The Washington Commanders made a significant move this offseason by acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel, hoping his dynamic playmaking skills would elevate their offensive capabilities. However, what many fans might not know is the incredible struggle Samuel endured just to remain on the field during the 2024 season.

During a recent press conference, Samuel opened up about a severe case of pneumonia he faced last season while with the San Francisco 49ers. This illness led to a hospital visit and made breathing a major challenge in the middle of his campaign. Now, with Samuel fully healthy as the 2025 season approaches, his story offers a glimpse into the resilience and determination that define his career.

Samuel shared the harrowing details of his experience, recalling how he woke up in the early hours of the morning unable to stop coughing. At first, he thought it was just dehydration or low blood sugar, but his symptoms quickly escalated during pregame warmups.

“I couldn’t breathe, literally couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move,” he said. “So, I went in the training room, got another IV, I just thought something was wrong. And then probably four or five plays in the game, I feel like if I would’ve gone another play I probably would’ve crashed.”

By the time he reached the hospital, his chest felt “flamed up.” He spent three to four days there, unsure of exactly what he was battling. Despite the challenges, his focus remained on helping his team.

“Me, the competitor. The competitor I am, I just put myself in the position to be in the best shape possible and just go out there and contribute to the team.”

The good news for the Commanders is that Samuel has fully recovered, though the journey back to full strength wasn’t immediate. He explained that it took time to regain his breathing capacity and build up his physical stamina after such a severe illness.

“Kind of probably towards the end where I kind of got my breathing back and felt like normal,” he said. “Coming off pneumonia, it's kind of hard to breathe, so it's kind of hard to build that capacity back up, but towards the end of the year I felt fine.”

When asked if this season feels significant for him now that he’s back to full strength, Samuel kept it simple.

“Yeah, for sure, but I just take it day-by-day and just let the cards play itself.”

With a clean bill of health and a new role in the Commanders offense under quarterback Jayden Daniels, Samuel could be set for one of the most impressive bounce-back seasons in the NFL. His story is a testament to his toughness and dedication, both on and off the field.

As the 2025 season approaches, fans are eager to see how Samuel will perform and how his presence will impact the Commanders' overall success. His journey through illness and recovery serves as an inspiring reminder of the challenges athletes face and the resilience required to overcome them.