Three games into the Miami Dolphins‘ 2025 season, it’s neither Ollie Gordon II nor Jaylen Wright second on the team in rushing yards behind De’Von Achane. Instead that title belongs to wide receiver Malik Washington, who has picked up three first downs on his six carries this year.
With 156 kick return yards, 96 punt return yards, 52 rushing yards, and 34 receiving yards, Washington’s 338 all-purpose yards lead the Dolphins through the first three weeks. That versatility and success in so many facets is somewhat reminiscent of another NFL wide receiver.
Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel has 1,180 career rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also found success in the return game, including a 69-yard kick return Sunday. Samuel’s best statistical season as a pro — which earned him Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors — came in 2021 while he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers and Mike McDaniel was his offensive coordinator.
McDaniel sees some similarities between the two receivers.
“He actually calls me ‘Maleebo’ every now and then,” Washington told reporters Tuesday before adding with a laugh, “I don’t like it.”
While the nickname may need some workshopping, Washington sees value in learning from Samuel’s success.
“I’ve watched some Deebo Samuel tape,” Washington said. “He’s probably one of the best at just going into the backfield and making plays happen, so he’s been a huge guy I’ve looked up to as far as what he does in the run game and how versatile he is, kick returns, you saw he had a big one this past weekend. He’s playing great and I kind of want to, not necessarily follow in those footsteps, but kind of create my own game in that sense and be as versatile.”
Washington’s only career touchdown came on a rushing attempt in 2024, but he finished his rookie year with only five carries compared to 26 receptions. That ratio has been dead even so far in 2025 with six rushing attempts and six receptions for the second-year receiver.
That’s something that he’s still getting used to.
“I spent some time in the backfield [in high school] and just try to read gaps but I’m far-removed from that,” Washington said. “So I’m still learning and getting back into that groove.”
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins’ Malik Washington not a fan of Deebo Samuel-inspired nickname
