Curtis Samuel

Curtis Samuel Bio

Curtis Samuel is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship and earning All-American honors in 2016. Samuel was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and played four seasons with them and three seasons with the Washington Commanders before joining the Bills in 2024.

Early Life and Background

Curtis Samuel was born on August 11, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Erasmus Hall High School, where he excelled as a running back for the Dutchmen football team and also participated in track. During his junior year, Samuel averaged 11.5 yards per carry, rushing for 1,047 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. His performance earned him the New York Daily News City Player of the Year award in 2012. In track, he showcased his speed by winning the 55 meters at the New York State track and field championships with a remarkable time of 6.44 seconds. In his senior year, Samuel averaged 15.8 yards per rush, totaling 1,461 yards and 17 touchdowns, which led to him being named the 2013 New York Gatorade Player of the Year and receiving an invitation to the All-American Bowl.

Path to American Football

After high school, Samuel committed to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he contributed from 2014 to 2016 under head coach Urban Meyer. In his freshman season, he had 58 carries for 383 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 11 receptions for 95 receiving yards. The following year, he recorded 17 carries for 132 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, complemented by 22 receptions for 289 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. In 2016, Samuel had a breakout season with 97 carries for 771 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns, alongside 74 receptions for 865 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors, making him the only player in Ohio State history to gain over 1,000 career yards in both rushing and receiving.

Curtis Samuel Career

Early Career (2017-2020)

Curtis Samuel was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, being the 40th overall pick. He signed a four-year contract with the Panthers on May 5, 2017. In his rookie season, Samuel had his first two career receptions in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, totaling seven yards. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a left ankle injury that required surgery, placing him on injured reserve. Despite this setback, he finished his rookie year with 15 receptions for 115 receiving yards and four carries for 64 rushing yards over nine games. In the 2018 season, Samuel scored his first career touchdown against the New York Giants, finishing the year with 39 receptions for 494 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, along with 84 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The 2019 season saw him catch five passes for 53 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season against the Arizona Cardinals, concluding the year with 54 receptions for 627 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Breakthrough (2021-2023)

In March 2021, Samuel signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract with the Washington Football Team, reuniting with his college roommate, Terry McLaurin. However, he faced challenges with injuries, starting the 2021 season on the active/physically unable to perform list. Despite these setbacks, he had a strong 2022 season, recording 64 receptions for 646 yards and four receiving touchdowns, along with 38 rushing attempts for 187 yards and one rushing touchdown. In the 2023 season, Samuel changed his uniform number to 4 and had 62 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns, including a game with over 100 receiving yards against the Dallas Cowboys.

Notable Works and Milestones

Samuel’s signature achievements include being a CFP national champion in 2015 and earning first-team All-American and All-Big Ten honors in 2016. He has established himself as a versatile player, contributing significantly in both receiving and rushing capacities throughout his career.

Curtis Samuel Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Curtis Samuel has not received any major award nominations, but his performances have been recognized at various levels, particularly during his college years.

Curtis Samuel Awards Won

Curtis Samuel has achieved notable accolades, including being a CFP national champion in 2015 and earning first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2016.