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49ers wide receiver, Deebo Samuel Sr., donates $20,000

 

UPSTATE—Deebo Samuel Sr., an NFL wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers, recently donated $20,000 to Spartanburg County in relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Samuel Sr. grew up in Inman and attended Chapman High School, where he stood out as a football player, breaking school records with 53 touchdowns, 94 tackles, and 12 interceptions. His time at Chapman High School earned him the opportunity to play as a Gamecock at the University of South Carolina before the 49ers drafted him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. 

Samuel Sr., who frequently visits the area and donates to local charities, says he is “taking care of home” by helping those in need following the storm’s devastation.

Spartanburg County experienced significant damage from Helene, with many downed power lines and trees, and tallied nine storm-related deaths.

“I do it for my community,” said Samuel Sr. in a recent interview. “As athletes, a lot of people look up to us, and I want to be a voice that inspires others to take action and make a difference in their own hometowns.”

Samuel expressed deep concern for his community, sharing that many of his friends and family spent multiple days without power. He also emphasized the importance of staying connected to his roots and motivating others to give back wherever possible.