Asante Samuel Jr.

Asante Tyrell Samuel Jr. (born October 3, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life

Samuel was born on October 3, 1999, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Asante Samuel Sr. and Candice Doe. Samuel credits his grandmother, Christine Samuel, for helping raise him and being an important person in his life. When he was 14, his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Following surgery, his mother recovered from the brain tumor.

Samuel played high school football at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and committed to Florida State to play college football.

College career

As a sophomore in 2019, Samuel was named to the third-team All-ACC team after recording 48 tackles, one interception, and 14 pass breakups. As a junior in 2020, he was named to the first-team All-ACC team.

Professional career

Samuel was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round (47th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. On May 12, 2021, Samuel signed with the Chargers on a deal worth just over $7 million. He recorded his first career interception in week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He was Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week in back-to-back weeks, weeks 2 and 3. As a rookie, he appeared in and started 12 games. He finished with 43 total tackles (33 solo), two interceptions, and 11 passes defended.

Samuel recorded his first interception of the 2022 season in week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. In the 2022 season, Samuel appeared in all 17 games and started 15. He finished with 57 total tackles (48 solo), two interceptions, and 11 passes defended. In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, Samuel recorded three interceptions in the first half in the team's 31–30 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the 2023 season, Samuel recorded 63 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 passes defended.

After four games, Samuel was placed on injured reserve for a shoulder injury on October 12, 2024.