Why did Deebo Samuel change jersey number from 19 to 1? 49ers WR's decision explained

Deebo Samuel has transformed into one of the most important offensive players for the San Francisco 49ers over the past few years. While Samuel has once again gotten off to a good start in 2024, fans have noticed that the wideout changed his jersey number this season.

Samuel, who wore the No. 19 for San Francisco since being drafted in the second round in 2019, now wears the jersey No. 1 for the 49ers. He announced the decision to change his jersey number in March this year.

Since Samuel wore No. 1 while playing college football at South Carolina, he wanted to use the same number in the NFL. However, when he was drafted, the league didn't permit wide receivers to single-digit jersey numbers.

Nonetheless, in 2021, the NFL relaxed its jersey number rules. At the time, Samuel and then 49ers safety Jimmie Ward both wanted to wear the No. 1. jersey.

Ward, who was drafted by the 49ers in the first round in 2012, got priority for the jersey number because he had been with the team longer. However, Ward left San Francisco in free agency in 2022 and no one from the 49ers wore the No. 1 jersey in 2023.

Eventually, Samuel decided to take up the vacant number and change his jersey from No. 19 to No. 1 ahead of the 2024 season.

A glimpse into Deebo Samuel's stats this season

San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel - Source: Imagn

Deebo Samuel has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season. The wideout has recorded 222 yards on 16 receptions but is yet to catch a touchdown. He has also rushed for 27 yards on 12 carries with one touchdown in three games.

Samuel missed San Francisco's Week 3 defeat against the LA Rams due to a calf injury. However, he returned in Week 4 to help the 49ers beat the New England Patriots 30-13 on Sunday.

The 49ers are currently second in the NFC West with a 2-2 record and Samuel will need to play a critical role for the team if it has to qualify for the playoffs this season.