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.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Samuel developed into one of the most versatile playmakers in the NFL, contributing as a rusher, receiver, and returner throughout his career. Across his professional tenure, he has totaled 355 receptions for 3,717 receiving yards and 24 receiving touchdowns, alongside 729 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. His ability to line up in the backfield or on the perimeter has made him a unique chess-piece for offensive coordinators.

Early Life and Background

Curtis Samuel was born on August 11, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, where he played running back for the Dutchmen football team and also competed in track and field. As a junior, Samuel averaged 11.5 yards per carry while rushing for 1,047 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning New York Daily News City Player of the Year honors in 2012. He also showcased his speed by winning the 55 meters at the New York State track and field championships in 6.44 seconds.

In his senior year, Samuel averaged 15.8 yards per rush for 1,461 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding three receiving touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns to his résumé. He was named the 2013 New York Gatorade Player of the Year and was invited to the All-American Bowl. His combination of size, speed, and production at the high school level established him as one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.

Path to American Football

Rated as a four-star running back recruit, Samuel committed to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes under head coach Urban Meyer. He joined a program with national-title aspirations and quickly worked his way into the rotation. As a freshman in 2014, Samuel recorded 58 carries for 383 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 11 receptions for 95 receiving yards.

During the 2015 season, Samuel was part of the Buckeyes squad that won the College Football Playoff National Championship, cementing his place in program history. He continued to develop his dual-threat skill set, lining up at running back, slot receiver, and on jet sweeps. By the time he finished his college career, Samuel had become the only player in Ohio State history to gain over 1,000 career yards in both rushing and receiving.

Curtis Samuel Career

Early Career (2017–2018)

The Carolina Panthers selected Curtis Samuel in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2017 NFL draft, and he signed a four-year, $6.45 million rookie contract. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Samuel had transitioned from running back to wide receiver, signaling how the Panthers planned to use him. He made an early impact before his rookie year was cut short, recording his first two career receptions in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills and a 31-yard rush on an end-around the following week against the New Orleans Saints.

A left ankle injury against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 ended his rookie season, and he was placed on injured reserve on November 24, 2017. In 2018, Samuel scored his first career touchdown on October 7 against the New York Giants and finished the year with 39 receptions for 494 yards and five receiving touchdowns, along with 84 rushing yards and two scores on eight carries. The 2018 season confirmed his trajectory as a versatile offensive weapon.

Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2019–2020)

In 2019, Samuel posted 54 receptions for 627 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while adding 19 carries for 130 rushing yards and one score. His production peaked in 2020, when he set career highs with 77 receptions for 851 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, along with 41 carries for 200 yards and two rushing touchdowns. A 118-yard receiving performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17 stood as one of the highlights of his Panthers tenure.

Despite being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in December 2020, Samuel remained productive through the end of his Carolina stint. Across four seasons with the Panthers, he showcased the dual-threat ability that defined his career, contributing both as a perimeter receiver and a complementary runner. His free-agency departure marked the end of his formative NFL chapter and the beginning of his next opportunity in Washington.

Washington Football Team Era (2021–2023)

Samuel signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract with the Washington Football Team on March 18, 2021, reuniting him with his former Ohio State roommate, Terry McLaurin. A groin injury and a stint on the COVID-19 reserve list limited him early, and he was placed on injured reserve shortly before the season opener. He returned to the active roster in October 2021 and gradually worked his way back into the lineup.

In 2022, Samuel played a full 17-game season, finishing with 64 receptions for 646 yards and four receiving touchdowns, plus 38 rushing attempts for 187 yards and a rushing touchdown. He changed his uniform number to 4 for the 2023 season and recorded 62 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns, including a 100-yard performance in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys. Across three seasons in Washington, Samuel remained a dependable rotational piece.

Buffalo Bills Era (2024–2025)

On March 14, 2024, Samuel signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Buffalo Bills, joining a contending roster led by quarterback Josh Allen. His 2024 production was modest by his standards, finishing with 31 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown, which came in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, his impact grew significantly in the postseason as Buffalo advanced deep into the AFC playoffs.

Samuel made his postseason debut in the Wild Card round against the Denver Broncos and scored his first career postseason touchdown on a 55-yard reception from Josh Allen in a 31–7 victory. He also scored in the AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs. Beginning the 2025 season as a backup wide receiver, Samuel recorded seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown across six appearances before an elbow injury landed him on injured reserve on November 28, 2025. He was activated ahead of Buffalo’s divisional round matchup against the Broncos on January 16, 2026.

Notable Events and Milestones

One of the signature moments of Samuel’s career came during the 2024 AFC Wild Card game, when his 55-yard touchdown reception from Josh Allen sealed a dominant win over the Broncos. He is also recognized as the only Ohio State player ever to surpass 1,000 career yards in both rushing and receiving, a record that underscores his rare dual-threat profile. His five-tool résumé of receiving yards, rushing yards, kick-return production, and postseason experience defines his professional legacy.

Curtis Samuel Career Wins

Curtis Samuel has built his reputation less on cumulative team championships at the professional level and more on individual statistical milestones and signature performances. His career NFL totals include 355 receptions for 3,717 receiving yards and 24 receiving touchdowns, complemented by 729 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 619 return yards as a kickoff returner, demonstrating his all-purpose value.

Buffalo Bills Highlights

While his 2024 regular-season numbers were modest, Samuel’s playoff production with the Bills proved his value on the biggest stage. His 55-yard touchdown reception against the Broncos in the Wild Card round marked his first career postseason score and helped propel Buffalo toward the AFC Championship. He added another touchdown in the AFC Championship against the Chiefs, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable secondary option behind Buffalo’s top receivers.

Other Wins & Performances

Beyond the NFL, Samuel’s most celebrated accomplishment remains the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship with Ohio State. He followed that with first-team All-Big Ten and first-team All-American honors in 2016, capping one of the most productive careers in Buckeyes history. His high school accolades, including the 2013 New York Gatorade Player of the Year award, foreshadowed the impact he would deliver at every subsequent level.

Curtis Samuel Family

Personal Life

Curtis Samuel keeps much of his personal life out of the public eye, with limited verified details available about his immediate family or marital status. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the same borough where he attended Erasmus Hall High School and developed into one of the city’s most celebrated high school football players. His Brooklyn roots remain an important part of his identity, and he has spoken about representing his hometown throughout his football journey.

2025 Season Performance

Curtis Samuel’s 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills began as a backup role behind the team’s top wide receivers. Through six appearances before his injury, he recorded seven receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown, providing complementary production as Buffalo built momentum in the AFC East. The elbow injury that placed him on injured reserve in late November threatened to end his season, but the Bills activated him in January 2026 ahead of the divisional round.

His return to the active roster coincided with Buffalo’s deep postseason run, giving Samuel another opportunity to contribute in high-leverage situations. With the Bills competing for a Super Bowl berth, his veteran experience and playoff-tested skill set remained valuable assets. Looking ahead, Samuel’s contract with Buffalo runs through the 2027 season, suggesting the team views him as part of its long-term plans.

Beyond 2025, Samuel’s role will likely continue to evolve as Buffalo evaluates its receiver depth and offensive identity. His ability to play multiple positions, including running back, slot receiver, and kickoff returner, gives the Bills flexibility in how they deploy him. If healthy, Samuel is well-positioned to remain a contributing piece of Buffalo’s championship pursuit.