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Christian Sam
Christian Sam
from Wikipedia

Christian C. Sam (born June 7, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football at Arizona State, in 2017 leading the Pac-12 with 127 tackles, while also leading the Pac-12 with 87 solo tackles (4th-most in the NCAA). He has been a member of the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Bandits, New Orleans Breakers, and Arlington Renegades.

Key Information

Early life

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Sam is a native of Allen, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas, and is of Nigerian descent.[1] His father is Prince Christian Sam and his mother is Veronica, and he is the youngest of four children.[2][3] His brother Prince played cornerback for the Bulldogs football team at Louisiana Tech.[3][4]

Sam attended Allen High School ('14) in Allen, Texas, where he played opposite quarterback Kyler Murray, and led the Allen Eagles football team to the Texas 5A Division I State Championships in 2012 and 2013.[5][6] He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2013 Texas state championship game after tallying 5.5 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.[6] That season he was also named 10-5A First Team All-District.[7] Rivals.com rated him the No. 27 linebacker recruit in the nation, and almost every major recruiting service considered him a three-star recruit.[6][8]

College career

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Sam committed to play football for the Arizona State Sun Devils in August 2013. He chose the Sun Devils over nearly 20 other schools, including Oklahoma, Baylor, and Texas Tech.[8][9] The Sun Devils primarily used him as an inside linebacker, though he did also play snaps as an off-the-line outside linebacker and as an edge rusher.[10]

As a true freshman in 2014, Sam played in all 13 of Arizona State's games. He tallied 16 tackles, one interception, one sack, and one pass deflection.[11]

In 2015, as a sophomore, Sam became a full-time starter and once again appeared in all 13 of the team's games, posting 98 tackles (7th in the Pac-12 Conference; 6.5 for loss), including 68 solo tackles (5th in the Pac-12), one interception, three sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles (6th in the Pac-12).[12][13][6]

Sam suffered a season-ending high right ankle injury in Arizona State's first game of the 2016 season.[14][15][3][16] He elected to take a medical redshirt.

As a redshirt junior in 2017, Sam played in 12 games. He led the Pac-12 with 127 tackles, while also leading the Pac-12 with 87 solo tackles (4th-most in the NCAA).[12] He also tallied one interception, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.[17] He was named First Team All-League by the Associated Press, and Honorable Mention All-Pac-12.[3] In four seasons at Arizona State, Sam made 240 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven pass deflections, three interceptions and three forced fumbles in 40 games.[18]

After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.[19][14]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1 in
(1.85 m)
244 lb
(111 kg)
31+12 in
(0.80 m)
10 in
(0.25 m)
4.75 s 1.63 s 2.74 s 4.20 s 7.03 s 32 in
(0.81 m)
9 ft 6 in
(2.90 m)
28 reps
All values from NFL Combine[20][21]

At the NFL Scouting Combine, he had 28 reps in the 225-pound (102-kg) bench press, the most of anyone at the linebacker position.[3][22] Sports analyst Lance Zierlein wrote: "he has enough talent to become a solid NFL backup who can step into starting reps if needed."[23] Scouts remarked on his "active athleticism."[24] Coach and ASU defensive coordinator Phil Benett said: "He's definitely an NFL guy ... he's playing with speed, he's playing with physicality. He does multiple skills; he stops the run, he tackles well, he blitzes, and he covers."[14]

New England Patriots

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The New England Patriots selected Sam in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft on April 28, 2018.[25] He left ASU with a year of eligibility remaining, though he had graduated early and already earned his diploma.[3][26]

On September 1, 2018, after playing three preseason games in which he had 12 tackles and an interception, Sam was placed on the team's injured reserve list at the end of preseason during the team's Super Bowl LIII season.[27][28][29] He was part of the team when they defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.[30] A year later he was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.[31]

Miami Dolphins

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On September 2, 2019, Sam was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins.[32] He was released on September 11.[33][34]

San Francisco 49ers

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On November 5, 2019, Sam was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.[35] He was released on December 10, 2019.[36]

Detroit Lions

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On December 17, 2019, Sam was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad.[37] On December 30, 2019, Sam was signed to a reserve/future contract.[38] He was waived on August 9, 2020.[39]

Tampa Bay Bandits

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Sam was selected by the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League (USFL) in the 21st round of the 2022 USFL draft.[40] He was released on June 7, 2022.[41]

New Orleans Breakers

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Sam was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL on the same day, June 7, 2022.[42] He played in nine games for the Breakers, and had 54 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and an interception.[1]

Dallas Cowboys

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On July 8, 2022, Sam signed with the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.[43] Sam was the first USFL-to-NFL signing of the modern era.[44] He was waived/injured on August 23, 2022, and placed on injured reserve.[45] He was released on an injury release on August 25.[46]

Arlington Renegades

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On December 8, 2023, Sam signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL.[47] He was placed on the team's suspended list on March 19, 2024, and waived two days later.[48][49]

Houston Roughnecks

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On May 14, 2024, Sam was signed by the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL).[50] He was released by the Roughnecks on July 23.[51]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Christian Sam (born June 7, 1996) is an American football linebacker who played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. A native of Allen, Texas, Sam was a highly recruited high school prospect, ranked as the No. 27 linebacker nationally by Rivals.com and No. 47 outside linebacker by Scout.com. At Arizona State from 2014 to 2017, he appeared in 40 games, recording 241 tackles (167 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles; his standout 2017 senior season saw him lead the Pac-12 Conference with 127 tackles (87 solo), earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. In his professional career, Sam has yet to appear in a regular-season game despite signing a four-year contract worth $2.64 million with the Patriots, including a $181,495 . He spent time on the practice squads of the (2019), (2019), (2019–2020), and (2022), Outside the , Sam found more playing time in spring leagues, tallying 54 tackles across 10 games split between the and New Orleans Breakers in the USFL during 2022, and appearing in games for the Arlington Renegades and Houston Roughnecks of the UFL in 2024 before his release from the Roughnecks in July. At 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds, Sam is noted for his athleticism, with a 4.75-second and 28 reps at the 2018 Combine.

Early life

Family background

Christian Sam was born on June 7, 1996, in , as the youngest of four children to parents Prince Christian Sam and Veronica Sam. Of Nigerian descent, Sam grew up in a household shaped by his family's heritage, with his selecting names like Prince for his eldest son and Christian for himself, reflecting cultural naming traditions common among Nigerian immigrants. This background instilled a strong sense of familial pride and discipline, influencing Sam's early values and work ethic. Sam's older brother, Prince Sam, played a pivotal role in his introduction to football, serving as at in 2016 after transferring from Baptist. Christian has credited Prince as the primary inspiration for starting the sport, highlighting the brother's guidance in developing his initial athletic skills during their youth in Allen. The Sam family provided consistent encouragement throughout Christian's formative years, fostering an environment where athletic pursuits were supported alongside and , which helped nurture his competitive drive from a young age.

High school career

Christian Sam attended Allen High School in Allen, Texas, where he emerged as a standout outside linebacker on the football team. During his high school tenure, Sam played a key leadership role in guiding the Allen Eagles to back-to-back Texas 5A Division I State Championships in 2012 and 2013, culminating in a perfect 16-0 record in the latter season. In the 2013 championship game, Sam was named Defensive MVP after recording 5.5 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, contributing significantly to the Eagles' victory and their ranking as the second-best high school team nationally by MaxPreps. As a senior, Sam's performance drew recruitment interest from multiple programs, earning him a consensus three-star rating and national ranking of No. 89 by , along with recognition as the No. 44 outside linebacker and No. 61 overall player in . He was rated as the No. 27 linebacker nationally by and the No. 47 outside linebacker by .

College career

2014–2016 seasons

Christian Sam committed to in August 2013 and signed his on in February 2014, before enrolling in June of that year. As a true freshman in 2014, Sam appeared in all 13 games for the Sun Devils as a reserve linebacker, primarily contributing on special teams and in rotational defensive roles. He recorded 16 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, 1.0 tackle for loss, 1.0 sack, and 1 interception, helping Arizona State reach the Sun Bowl where they defeated 36–31. In his sophomore season of 2015, Sam transitioned to a full-time starting role at inside linebacker, playing in all 13 games and starting every one. He finished second on the team with 97 tackles (69 solo), adding 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 , and 2 forced fumbles, contributing to Arizona State's 6–7 record, which included a Cactus Bowl appearance. His performance ranked sixth in the for total tackles, showcasing his development as a key run defender in Todd Graham's defensive scheme. Sam's junior year in 2016 was cut short by injury, as he suffered a season-ending right foot injury just two series into the opening game against on September 3. Limited to that single appearance, where he managed one solo tackle, Sam did not play in the remaining games and ultimately received a medical redshirt to preserve a year of eligibility. Over these three seasons, Sam amassed 114 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles, providing foundational depth at linebacker for Arizona State, transitioning from a special teams contributor to a starting defender before the injury setback.

2017 season

In 2017, Christian Sam entered his redshirt junior season as a starting middle linebacker for the Arizona State Sun Devils, following a recovery from a season-ending injury the prior year. He quickly established himself as the defensive anchor, leading the Pac-12 with 127 total tackles and 87 solo tackles—ranking fourth nationally in solo stops—while playing all 12 regular-season games, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. His contributions extended beyond tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble, which highlighted his versatility in run support and pass coverage. Sam's impact was particularly evident in key matchups, where he delivered double-digit tackle performances that helped stabilize Arizona State's defense amid a 7–6 overall record and 6–3 mark in the Pac-12, tying for second in the South Division. Notable games included a career-high 15 tackles with 2 sacks against USC on , contributing to a hard-fought effort despite a 48–17 loss, and 13 tackles with 2 tackles for loss in the victory over on November 25 (38–35), underscoring his role in high-stakes territorial battles. Additionally, his 10 tackles and lone came at on October 21, aiding a 30–10 road win that bolstered the team's conference standing. Following the Sun Devils' 52–31 loss to NC State in the Sun Bowl on December 29—in which Sam did not play to prepare for the draft—Sam announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the on January 8, 2018, capping a college career with 241 tackles over 40 games. His senior-year dominance not only propelled Arizona State's defensive efforts but also positioned him as a projected mid-round prospect, emphasizing his growth into a sideline-to-sideline playmaker.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Following his strong performance in the 2017 college season, where he recorded 127 tackles to lead Arizona State, Christian Sam entered the process as a projected mid-round linebacker prospect noted for his tackling ability but with scouts raising concerns about his speed and prior injury history. Sam participated in the 2018 in , where he measured 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 244 pounds. His performance included a time of 4.75 seconds and 28 repetitions at 225 pounds, the latter tying for the highest among linebackers at . These results highlighted his upper-body strength and functional size for run defense, though his dash time underscored evaluator concerns regarding his straight-line quickness for coverage roles. At Arizona State's Pro Day on March 14, 2018, Sam worked out in front of representatives from multiple teams, including the , focusing on drills to showcase his agility and tackling technique while participating in formal interviews to demonstrate his football IQ and character. Scouts appreciated his instincts in pursuit drills but noted lingering questions about his recovery from a 2016 foot injury that limited him to one game that year. Pre-draft analyses positioned Sam as a fifth- or sixth-round talent, valuing his production as a gap-shooter against the run—exemplified by his college tackling totals—but tempering expectations due to average speed metrics and the need for scheme fit to mask coverage limitations. The selected him in the sixth round, 178th overall, in the held in , viewing him as a developmental special teams contributor with inside linebacker upside.

Sam was selected by the in the sixth round (178th overall) of the . Following the draft, he signed a four-year contract worth $2,641,495, including a $181,495 . The deal carried an average annual value of $660,374, with the signing bonus fully guaranteed. During , Sam suffered a injury that sidelined him for the entire 2018 regular season. On September 1, 2018, the Patriots placed him on injured reserve, marking a redshirt year. Despite not appearing in any games, Sam remained with the team and contributed to preparations as part of the roster during their playoff run. Sam earned a as a member of the Patriots' 2018 squad, which defeated the 13–3 in on February 3, 2019. His role was limited to practice and team activities while on injured reserve, supporting the defense that held the scoreless on offense. Entering the , Sam aimed to secure a roster spot with contributions on special teams and defense. He appeared in the preseason opener, logging 14 snaps on special teams and showing promise in limited action. However, his overall involvement remained minimal, with just 61 defensive snaps across the first three preseason games. On August 31, , the Patriots released him as part of final roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit.

Miami Dolphins

After being waived by the on August 30, 2019, due in part to lingering injury concerns from his rookie season, Christian Sam signed with the ' practice squad on September 2, 2019. Sam remained on the Dolphins' practice squad for just over a week, during which he was not elevated to the active roster for any games and focused primarily on skill development and team integration. He did not appear in any regular-season contests during this brief stint. The Dolphins released him on September 11, 2019, as they adjusted their roster early in the season.

San Francisco 49ers

Following his release from the ' earlier in the season, Christian Sam signed with the ' on November 5, 2019. During his time with the 49ers, Sam remained on the practice squad without being elevated to the active roster or appearing in any regular-season games. Sam was released by the 49ers on December 10, 2019, concluding his brief stint with the team midway through the . Over the course of his approximately five weeks on the practice squad, he did not record any statistics or contributions in official game contexts.

Detroit Lions

Following his release from the , Christian Sam joined the by signing to their on December 17, 2019. This move came late in the , providing Sam an opportunity to continue developing in a professional environment without immediate game action. On December 30, 2019, the Lions signed Sam to a reserve/future contract, securing his spot on the roster heading into the 2020 offseason. This contract allowed him to participate in the team's and preseason activities, though the 2020 season was significantly altered by the , including delayed starts and adjusted protocols. Sam was waived by the Lions on August 9, 2020, as part of the final roster cuts to reach the 80-player limit ahead of the . During his brief tenure with , he did not appear in any games.

Tampa Bay Bandits

After being waived by the Detroit Lions in August 2020 and remaining a free agent thereafter, Christian Sam was selected by the Tampa Bay Bandits in the 21st round (pick 166) of the 2022 USFL Draft on February 23, 2022. Sam signed with the Bandits shortly after the draft and joined the team as a depth linebacker, providing support behind the starting unit during the early weeks of the USFL season. In his brief tenure, Sam appeared in just one game for the Bandits, registering no tackles or other statistics, reflecting his limited role and minimal on-field impact. The Bandits released Sam on June 7, 2022, midway through the season as part of roster adjustments.

New Orleans Breakers

Christian Sam was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans from the on June 7, 2022, immediately following his release from the prior team. In the , Sam appeared in nine regular season games for , where he recorded 54 tackles, including eight tackles for loss, along with one . These highlighted his role as a productive outside linebacker, providing consistent run support and coverage in the Breakers' defensive scheme. Sam's contributions bolstered the Breakers' defense during their playoff appearance, as the team advanced to the South Division semifinal after finishing second in the division with a 6-4 record. His tackling prowess and ability to disrupt plays added depth to the linebacker corps, aiding the unit's overall effectiveness in the league's inaugural season.

Dallas Cowboys

Following his standout performance with the New Orleans Breakers in the , where he recorded 54 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and one interception across nine games, Christian Sam signed with the on July 8, 2022, marking the first such move from the revived USFL to the . The one-year was valued at $705,000, positioning the 26-year-old linebacker to compete for a depth role during training camp. Sam participated in the Cowboys' preseason, including practices and exhibition games, but did not secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster or . On August 23, 2022, he was waived/injured amid roster cuts, reverting to injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury sustained during camp. Two days later, on August 25, the Cowboys waived him from injured reserve with an injury settlement, clearing him from the team and ending his brief tenure without any regular-season appearances. Despite the short stint, Sam's signing highlighted an emerging pathway for USFL players to return to the , demonstrating the spring league's potential as a talent feeder in the modern era.

Arlington Renegades

Following his release from the in 2022 due to injury, which sidelined him for the entire 2023 season, Christian Sam entered free agency and signed with the Arlington Renegades on December 8, 2023, in preparation for the 2024 season. The Renegades, who had won the XFL championship in 2023 under head coach Bob Stoops, transitioned into the newly formed United Football League (UFL) following the January 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL leagues, retaining their roster and aiming to defend their title in the consolidated spring football landscape. Sam joined the team for training camp in Arlington, Texas, where he was listed on the initial roster as an outside linebacker, but his tenure proved brief. On March 19, 2024, during the final stages of training camp and just days before the UFL's March 30 season opener, the Renegades placed Sam on the suspended list, per league transaction reports. Two days later, on March 21, 2024, the team waived him as part of final roster cuts to reach the 50-player active limit ahead of the regular season. As a result, Sam recorded no statistics and did not appear in any games for the Renegades, who finished the 2024 UFL season with a 3-7 record in the XFL Conference.

Houston Roughnecks

In May 2024, Christian Sam signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL), a professional formed by the 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL.) He joined the team on May 14 as an injury replacement for linebacker Gabriel Sewell, who had been placed on injured reserve after recording 19 tackles in seven games earlier that season. Sam appeared in two late-season games for the Roughnecks, starting one, but recorded no tackles, sacks, or interceptions during his brief stint. His most notable involvement came in a May 18 matchup against the , where he drew an offside penalty on a punt that aided the Roughnecks' field position in a close contest the team ultimately lost. The Roughnecks, who finished the 2024 season with a 1–9 record, did not advance to the , limiting Sam's opportunities further. Following the conclusion of the UFL season, Sam was released by the Roughnecks on July 23, 2024. This marked the end of his time with the team and his most recent professional football engagement as of late 2024.

Personal life

Family

Christian Sam is the youngest of four children born to Prince Christian Sam and Veronica Sam, with older siblings including his brother Prince, and sisters and Maurine. As the youngest sibling, he often looked up to his older brother Prince for guidance in both life and football, crediting him as a primary who shaped his aspirations from an early age. Prince played as a for the Tech Bulldogs, which established a shared of competitive sports involvement. The family's dynamics emphasized mutual support for Sam's football journey, with regular reinforcing values of and perseverance that bolstered his pursuits. Veronica initially expressed concerns about the sport's physical demands but became an unwavering advocate, offering emotional encouragement during challenges and reminding him that "everything happens for a reason" while urging continued . Prince provided targeted football advice, focusing on technical improvements and personal growth, which Sam actively incorporated into his development. This close-knit support extended into Sam's post-college phase, where family members continued to offer guidance during his professional transitions, drawing on their established roles in nurturing his resilience.

Heritage

Christian Sam is of Nigerian descent. Raised in , Sam has spoken of his family's strong support system, which instilled discipline and resilience in him from a young age.

References

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