The San Francisco 49ers faced a daunting 17-point deficit as they entered halftime during the NFC Championship Game. It was not the first half the team had anticipated after a comeback victory a week earlier against the Green Bay Packers.
Despite the challenging situation, the Niners rallied, staging an impressive come-from-behind effort to clinch the playoff victory. According to CEO Jed York, one frustrated 49ers player made a fiery plea during the halftime break.
"I don't know if you know, but [GM John] Lynch went down to the locker room at halftime, and tense halftime, right?" York told Kay Adams this week on FanDuel's "Up & Adams" show. "You're down by 17 points, and he said Deebo was just sitting there, just shaken. He's like, 'Just tell Kyle to get me the damn ball.'
"And I mean, that's who Deebo is. He's just ready to take over a game at any point, and I'm very, very glad that he is on our football club."
"Get me the damn ball" @19problemz
Deebo knew what he wanted, and the 49ers needed, against Detroit, says @49ers CEO @JedYork @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/TVWDzWJaIb
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 7, 2024
Samuel had two catches for 21 yards in the first half but stepped up with six catches for 68 yards in the second half as the gutsy 49ers refused to surrender, outscoring the Lions 27-7 after halftime. They eventually emerged with a 34-31 win, advancing to Super Bowl 58 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Following the emotional victory against the Lions, Samuel expressed, "This is my fifth year, and I have been to one Super Bowl, and that was my rookie year. These past few years, we fell short at the NFC Championship. What a coincidence, last year we lose [QB] Brock [Purdy]. The year before, we just lose the game, and we are down 17 at the half [against the Lions], and it is just like whatever it takes for us to get this win, and we went out there and did it."
H/t to Ian Casselberry of Sports Illustrated for the find.