UPDATE: As the Washington Commanders prepare for training camp, trainer Nick Hill has swiftly addressed concerns about wide receiver Deebo Samuel‘s conditioning. Amidst a wave of criticism regarding his physical appearance, Hill insists Samuel is ready to excel for the upcoming season.
The buzz started during offseason workouts, where clips of Samuel running routes sparked controversy, with many suggesting he appeared overweight. As the team gears up for its first training session on July 22, 2025, Hill emphasized that Samuel’s transformation is a normal part of his training routine.
“Most of my guys are a little bit bigger in those early offseason phases,” Hill stated on NFL insider John Keim‘s podcast. “They’re not running as much, which leads to a fluctuation in appearance that’s not unusual at all.” Hill’s remarks aim to quell the narrative that Samuel is out of shape as he transitions from the San Francisco 49ers to the Commanders.
The 31-year-old Samuel has faced scrutiny following a disappointing season, but Hill’s confidence in his training regimen is evident. “We’re going at 6:00 AM every day right now,” Hill revealed. “He does a speed and power lift session, followed by afternoon cardio and route running in the evening. He’s putting in two to three sessions daily.”
With Samuel joining dynamic players like Terry McLaurin and promising rookie Jayden Daniels, the Commanders are building a formidable offense. Fans are eager to see if Samuel can reclaim his status as a top receiver and contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Samuel to see if he can silence the critics and deliver a standout performance with his new team. The anticipation is palpable as the Commanders prepare to kick off their season, with Samuel’s readiness being a critical factor in their success.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Washington Commanders and the NFL as the season unfolds.