Christian Sam

Sam is a native of Allen, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas, and is of Nigerian descent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/usfl/usfl-lb-christian-sam-signs-deal-with-cowboys|title=Ex-USFL linebacker Christian Sam signs deal with Cowboys|date=July 8, 2022|website=FOX Sports}} His father is Prince Christian Sam and his mother is Veronica, and he is the youngest of four children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/asu/2017/11/01/arizona-state-football-christian-sam-pac-12-leading-tackler/821874001/|title=ASU's Christian Sam leads Pac-12 in tackling but cares more about team success|first=Jeff|last=Metcalfe|website=The Arizona Republic|date=November 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2018/04/29/what-to-know-christian-sam-patriots-2/|title=5 things to know about Christian Sam, one of the Patriots' newest linebackers|website=boston.com|author= Mark Dunphy |date=April 29, 2018 }} His brother Prince played cornerback for the Bulldogs football team at Louisiana Tech.{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/arizona-state/Article/Strength-through-Christ-Christian-Sams-faith-family-and-football-109191300/|title=Strength through Christ: Christian Sam's faith, family, football|author=Jacob Janower|date= October 27, 2017

|website=SunDevilSource.com}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://texashsfootball.com/arizona-state-lb-former-allen-star-christian-sam-declares-2018-nfl-draft/|title=Arizona State LB, Former Allen Star Christian Sam Declares For 2018 NFL Draft | Texas HS Football|first=Tony|last=Venegas|date=January 8, 2018|website=texashsfootball.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://thesundevils.com/sports/football/roster/christian-sam/4000|title=Christian Sam – Football|website=Arizona State University Athletics}}

He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2013 Texas state championship game after tallying 5.5 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. That season he was also named 10-5A First Team All-District.{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/Player/Christian-Sam-27088/TimelineEvents/|title=Christian Sam Timeline Events|website=247sports.com}} Rivals.com rated him the No. 27 linebacker recruit in the nation, and almost every major recruiting service considered him a three-star recruit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.houseofsparky.com/2013/8/1/4580390/christian-sam-asu-recruiting-allen-high-school-linebacker-espn-300|title=Texas LB Christian Sam Commits to ASU|first=Kerry|last=Crowley|date=August 1, 2013|website=House of Sparky}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.azfamily.com/story/28370608/christian-sam-to-asu-3-star-lb-commits-to-sun-devils|title=Christian Sam to ASU: 3-star LB commits to Sun Devils|website=AZFamily.com|access-date=January 15, 2018|archive-date=January 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115125238/http://www.azfamily.com/story/28370608/christian-sam-to-asu-3-star-lb-commits-to-sun-devils|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://nesn.com/2018/05/christian-sam-film-review-what-can-rookie-linebacker-bring-to-patriots/|title=Christian Sam Film Review: What Can Rookie Linebacker Bring To Patriots?|first=Zack|last=Cox|date=May 2, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/player/28/1062127/index.html|title=Christian Sam 2014 Player Statistics|website=cfbstats.com|access-date=January 15, 2018}}

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).{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/christian-sam-1.html|title=Christian Sam College Stats|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbstats.com/2015/player/28/1062127/index.html|title=Christian Sam 2015 Player Statistics|website=cfbstats.com|access-date=January 15, 2018}}

Sam suffered a season-ending high right ankle injury in Arizona State's first game of the 2016 season.{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/arizona-state/Article/Linebacker-Christian-Sam-to-leave-Arizona-State-for-NFL-Draft-113401017/|title=Linebacker Christian Sam to leave Arizona State for NFL Draft|website=SunDevilSource.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.houseofsparky.com/2016/9/6/12816702/asu-football-christian-sam-in-pads-and-at-practice|title=ASU Football: Christian Sam in pads and at practice|first=Zac|last=Pacleb|date=September 6, 2016|website=House of Sparky}}{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/asu/2016/10/19/without-christian-sam-asu-not-clicking-linebacker/92428108/|title=Without Christian Sam, ASU not clicking at linebacker|website=AZCentral.com|access-date=January 15, 2018}} 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). He also tallied one interception, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/28/1062127/index.html|title=Christian Sam 2017 Player Statistics|website=cfbstats.com|access-date=January 15, 2018}} He was named First Team All-League by the Associated Press, and Honorable Mention All-Pac-12. 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.[https://www.si.com/fannation/ufl/news/arlington-renegades-place-nfl-draft-pick-christian-sam-on-suspended-list "Arlington Renegades Place Former NFL Drafted Linebacker on Suspended List,"] Sports Illustrated.

After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.houseofsparky.com/2018/1/8/16864032/asu-football-christian-sam-declares-for-nfl-draft|title=ASU Football: Christian Sam declares for NFL Draft|website=HouseOfSparky.com|date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2018}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 1

| weight = 244

| dash = 4.75

| ten split = 1.63

| twenty split = 2.74

| shuttle = 4.20

| cone drill = 7.03

| vertical = 32

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 6

| bench = 28

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 31½

| hand span = 10

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web | url = https://www.nfl.com/prospects/christian-sam?id=32462018-0002-5601-66da-cb1e44864cc4 | title = NFL Draft Prospect Profile – Christian Sam | work = nfl.com | date = March 1, 2018 | access-date = March 1, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=131135&draftyear=2018&genpos=ILB | title = Arizona State ILB Christian Sam : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile | work = NFLDraftScout.com | access-date = May 12, 2018}}

}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1450331/asu-linebacker-christian-sam-bench-press-reps-lb/|title=ASU linebacker Christian Sam leads position group in bench press|date=March 4, 2018|website=Arizona Sports}} Sports analyst Lance Zierlein wrote: "he has enough talent to become a solid NFL backup who can step into starting reps if needed."{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/new-england-patriots-christian-samsixth-round-pick-178/|title=Patriots Draft Linebacker Christian Sam With 178th Pick In 2018 NFL Draft|website=CBS News|date=April 28, 2018}} Scouts remarked on his "active athleticism."{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4812932/new-england-patriots-2018-draft-analysis-for-every-selection|title=New England Patriots' 2018 draft: Analysis for every pick|date=April 28, 2018|website=ESPN}} 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."

The New England Patriots selected Sam in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft on April 28, 2018.{{cite web|title=2018 NFL draft: Patriots select LB Christian Sam with the 178th overall pick. He had a pick against the Eagles in the Patriots second preseason game of the 2018 season. |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2018/4/28/17296586/2018-nfl-draft-new-england-patriots-select-lb-christian-sam-with-the-178th-overall-pick|website=PatsPulpit.com|date=April 28, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}} He left ASU with a year of eligibility remaining, though he had graduated early and already earned his diploma.{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/asu/2018/04/28/nfl-draft-christian-sam-asu-football-new-england-patriots/552393002/|title=ASU linebacker Christian Sam drafted by New England Patriots in NFL draft's 6th round|first=Doug|last=Haller|website=The Arizona Republic|date=April 28, 2018}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://nesn.com/2019/02/hidden-patriots-new-england-stashed-versatile-linebacker-on-roster/|title=Hidden Patriots: New England Stashed Versatile Linebacker On Roster|first=Doug|last=Kyed|date=February 19, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://insidethestar.com/cowboys-add-former-patriots-usfl-lb-christian-sam/|title=Cowboys Add Former Patriots, USFL LB Christian Sam ✭ Inside The Star|first=Jess|last=Haynie|date=July 9, 2022}}{{cite web|title=Patriots Announce Roster Cutdown|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-cutdown-to-53-man-roster|website=Patriots.com|date=September 1, 2018}} He was part of the team when they defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.{{Cite web |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Patriots Win in Lowest-Scoring Super Bowl Ever |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/sports/patriots-super-bowl.html |access-date=October 31, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}} A year later he was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Oliver |title=Patriots 2018 sixth-rounder Christian Sam joins list of reported exits |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/8/30/20841518/2019-new-england-patriots-roster-cuts-linebacker-christian-sam-joins-list |website=PatsPulpit.com |date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019}}

On September 2, 2019, Sam was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins.{{cite web |last1=Crabbs |first1=Kyle |title=Dolphins finalize 2019 practice squad roster |url=https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/03/dolphins-finalize-2019-practice-squad-roster/ |website=DolphinsWire.USAToday.com |date=September 3, 2019 |access-date=September 3, 2019}} He was released on September 11.{{Cite web|url=https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/12/dolphins-make-switch-on-2019-practice-squad/|title=Dolphins make switch on 2019 practice squad|date=September 12, 2019|work=DolphinsWire; USA Today}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-roster-moves-x8371|title=49ers Announce Roster Moves|website=www.49ers.com}}

On November 5, 2019, Sam was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.{{cite web|title=49ers Announce Roster Moves|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-roster-moves-x8371|website=49ers.com|date=November 5, 2019}} He was released on December 10, 2019.{{cite web|title=49ers Announce Roster Moves|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/marquise-goodwin-49ers-injured-reserve|website=49ers.com|date=December 10, 2019}}

On December 17, 2019, Sam was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad.{{cite web|title=Lions sign free agents LB Christian Sam & DT Olive Sagapolu to practice squad|url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-sign-free-agents-lb-christian-sam-dt-olive-sagapolu-to-practice-squad|website=DetroitLions.com|date=December 17, 2019}} On December 30, 2019, Sam was signed to a reserve/future contract.{{cite web|title=Lions report 11 Reserve/Future signings|url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-report-11-reserve-future-signings|website=DetroitLions.com|date=December 30, 2019|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407144824/https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-report-11-reserve-future-signings|url-status=dead}} He was waived on August 9, 2020.{{cite web|title=Lions announce roster moves|url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-announce-roster-moves-x1586|website=DetroitLions.com|date=August 9, 2020}}

Sam was selected by the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League (USFL) in the 21st round of the 2022 USFL draft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/usfl-draft-2022-picks-results-rosters/kfjtmrpdeztksutjassswllz|website=Sporting News|title=USFL Draft tracker: Complete results, rosters for new football league|date=February 23, 2022|author=Camenker, Jacob}} He was released on June 7, 2022.{{cite tweet |user=USFLBandits |title=Roster Updates |number=1534325889760079872 |date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=June 12, 2022}}

Sam was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL on the same day, June 7, 2022.{{cite tweet |user=USFLBreakers |title=Roster Updates |number=1534325985029414912 |date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=June 12, 2022}} He played in nine games for the Breakers, and had 54 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and an interception.

On July 8, 2022, Sam signed with the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.{{Cite web |title=Cowboys Sign Kicker; Add LB Christian Sam |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-officially-sign-kicker-add-lb-christian-sam|last=Phillips |first=Rob |access-date=July 15, 2022 |date=July 8, 2022 |website=DallasCowboys.com |language=en-US}} Sam was the first USFL-to-NFL signing of the modern era.[https://pfnewsroom.com/news/arlington-renegades-make-final-cuts-in-ufl-training-camp/ "Arlington Renegades Make Final Cuts In UFL Training Camp,"] PFN. He was waived/injured on August 23, 2022, and placed on injured reserve.{{cite web|title=Cowboys Cut Kicker; Roster Trimmed Down to 80|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-to-cut-kicker-as-they-trim-roster-to-80|author=Eatman, Nick|website=DallasCowboys.com|date=August 23, 2022}} He was released on an injury release on August 25.[https://pfnewsroom.com/news/houston-roughnecks-sign-lb-christian-sam-gabriel-sewell-out/ "Houston Roughnecks Sign LB Christian Sam, Gabriel Sewell Out,"] PFN.

On December 8, 2023, Sam signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL.{{Cite web |title=XFL Transactions |url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-transactions |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=www.xfl.com |language=en}} He was placed on the team's suspended list on March 19, 2024, and waived two days later.{{Cite news |title=UFL Player Transactions, Tuesday March 19, 2024 |url=https://uflboard.com/news/ufl-player-transactions-tuesday-march-19-2024/ |website=UFLBoard.com |date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Arlington, D.C., and Houston announce training camp roster moves |url=https://uflboard.com/news/arlington-d-c-and-houston-announce-training-camp-roster-moves/ |website=UFLBoard.com |date=March 21, 2024 |access-date=March 21, 2024}}

On May 14, 2024, Sam was signed by the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL).{{Cite web |title=UFL Transactions |url=https://uflboard.com/ufl-transactions/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=UFLBoard.com |language=en-US}} He was released on July 23, 2024.{{Cite web |title=UFL Transactions |url=https://uflboard.com/ufl-transactions/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=UFLBoard.com |language=en-US}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.instagram.com/imbaaaack2/?hl=en Instagram page]
• [http://www.thesundevils.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4000 Arizona State Sun Devils football bio]
• Justin Melo (April 18, 2018). [https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/04/18/meet-christian-sam-the-relentless-gem-of-the-2018-lb-class/ "Meet Christian Sam, the relentless gem of the 2018 LB class,"] USA Today (interview).
• {{IMDb name|11022914}}

{{Patriots2018DraftPicks}}

{{Super Bowl LIII}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sam, Christian}}

Category:1996 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football linebackers

Category:American players of American football of Nigerian descent

Category:American gaming YouTubers

Category:Arizona State Sun Devils football players

Category:Arlington Renegades players

Category:Dallas Cowboys players

Category:Detroit Lions players

Category:Miami Dolphins players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:New Orleans Breakers (2022) players

Category:Players of American football from Allen, Texas

Category:San Francisco 49ers players

Category:Tampa Bay Bandits (2022) players

Category:Houston Roughnecks (2024) players