Deebo Samuel fires back at 49ers Hall of Famer Terrell Owens over criticism of his 2024 season

There has already been a lot of drama around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel this month.

Samuel attracted headlines for the wrong reasons following his altercation with kicker Jake Moody and long snapper Taybor Pepper during the 49ers' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Now he appears to be in a war of words with 49ers Hall of Famer Terrell Owens.

Owens, himself obviously known for plenty of controversies and a love of the spotlight during his incredible career, criticized Samuel's performances this season as the 49ers have endured an inconsistent campaign.

"Deebo is not really playing up to Deebo's standards," Owens told 95.7 The Game. 

"Deebo seems like he's more focused on his pregame attire than he is actually the game. So again, if we can shift that focus, maybe that can energize and create some more production from an offensive standpoint. I'm just kind of tongue-in-cheek with that."

After Thursday's practice ahead of the 49ers' Week 12 game with the Green Bay Packers, Samuel fired back at Owens, whose son Terique is on the 49ers' practice squad.

History says Owens is unlikely to back down from his criticism of Samuel, even if his critique was a little rich considering some of the events of his career.

And there is plenty of statistical support for his argument that Samuel has taken a step back. Samuel has just two games with over 100 yards from scrimmage this season.

The distraction of a feud with one of the best receivers to ever play the game is not likely to help matters, unless Samuel can channel his frustration at Owens' comments into a difference-making display against the Packers. That would be the best way to end the argument.