A second-generation NFL cornerback who battled back from neck surgery to reclaim a roster spot in Pittsburgh.
Asante Samuel Jr. is a cornerback who spent four seasons as a starter for the Los Angeles Chargers before a nerve-related neck injury derailed his 2024 campaign. The son of longtime NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., he underwent surgery in the spring of 2025 and fought his way back onto an NFL roster later that year.
Path to the league
Samuel starred at Florida State from 2018 to 2020 before declaring for the draft. The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the second round, 47th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft, betting on his coverage instincts and family pedigree as the son of former All-Pro corner Asante Samuel.
Career highlights
Over his first three seasons with the Chargers, Samuel started 43 games and produced six interceptions and 35 passes defensed, establishing himself as a reliable perimeter corner. His 2024 season was cut short after just four games due to a nerve issue in his neck that ultimately required surgery.
2025 season recap
Samuel underwent neck surgery in April 2025 and remained a free agent for much of the year before signing to the practice squad late in the season. He appeared in six games, recording ten tackles and an interception, with his signature moment coming on a pick of Tua Tagovailoa in a Week 15 win over Miami.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Asante Samuel Jr.
- Pro Football Reference: Asante Samuel Jr.
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
6 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | steelers | 6 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | chargers | 4 | 13 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | chargers | 17 | 63 | 56 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| 2022 | chargers | 17 | 57 | 48 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 2021 | chargers | 12 | 43 | 33 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- Florida State
- Hometown
- Sunrise, FL, USA
- Age
- 26
- Status
- active
