Photo Credit: https://nypost.com/2022/07/22/
asante-samuel-rips-teams-culture-i-aint-going-for-none-of-that/
This article was researched and compiled
This article was researched and compiled
by Carrie Birdsong
Part 1 is an overview and information about his time
as a New England Patriot Part 2 will be posted
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Birthplace: Accra, Ghana
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 185 pounds
High School: Boyd H. Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes,
Florida)
College: UCF (1999 – 2002)
NFL Draft: 2003, 4th round, 120th pick
College: UCF (1999 – 2002)
NFL Draft: 2003, 4th round, 120th pick
Career History:
1. New England Patriots 2003 – 2007
2. Philadelphia Eagles 2008 – 2011
3. Atlanta Falcons 2012 – 2013
Career Highlights and Awards:
1. 2x Super Bowl Champion XXXVIII, XXXIX
2. First – Team All – Pro 2007
3. Second – Team All – Pro 2009
4. 4x Pro Bowl 2007 – 2010
5. 2x NFL Interceptions Leader 2006, 2009
6. New England Patriots All – 2000’s Team
7. New England Patriots All – Dynasty Team
8. First – Team All – MAC 2002
9. First – Team All – Independent 2—1
NFL Record: Most interception returns for touchdown
in playoffs (4)(1)
Career NFL Statistics
1. Total Tackles: 439
2. Forced Fumbles: 7
3. Fumble Recoveries: 3
4. Pass Deflections: 164
5. Interceptions: 51
6. Defensive Touchdowns: 6
Asante Samuel is a former football cornerback in the NFL. He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played college football for the UCF Knights and was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft. Samuel also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. He led the NFL twice in interceptions, in 2006 and 2009, and is considered one of the all – time greatest Patriots and cornerbacks. He is the father of Asante Samuel Jr., a cornerback who was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Early Life
Samuel was born in Accra, Ghana, and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. As a junior quarterback, he threw for 1,800 yards and rushed for 500 yards. As a senior, Samuel concentrated on defense, and earned All – State honors, and finished his senior year with 4 interceptions and 75 tackles. Samuel also managed kick and punt return duties(2). Ten minutes before kickoff of Samuel’s final high school game, he replaced his team’s injured starting quarterback. He threw two touchdown passes, intercepted two more, rushed for 80 yards, and even worked on special teams returning kicks and punts(2). Samuel decreased his 40 – yard dash time from 4.5 second during his sophomore year of high school to 4.39 seconds entering the NFL.(2)
College Career
Samuel attended the University of Central Florida, majored in business administration, and played for the UCF Knights football team. He finished his college career with 127 tackles (102 solo, 25 assisted), 8 interceptions, and a school – record 38 passes deflected (the previous record was 34 deflections). Samuel also returned 63 punts for 673 yards, for an average of 10.7 yards per return.(3)
Career NFL Statistics
1. Total Tackles: 439
2. Forced Fumbles: 7
3. Fumble Recoveries: 3
4. Pass Deflections: 164
5. Interceptions: 51
6. Defensive Touchdowns: 6
Asante Samuel is a former football cornerback in the NFL. He was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He played college football for the UCF Knights and was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft. Samuel also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. He led the NFL twice in interceptions, in 2006 and 2009, and is considered one of the all – time greatest Patriots and cornerbacks. He is the father of Asante Samuel Jr., a cornerback who was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Early Life
Samuel was born in Accra, Ghana, and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. As a junior quarterback, he threw for 1,800 yards and rushed for 500 yards. As a senior, Samuel concentrated on defense, and earned All – State honors, and finished his senior year with 4 interceptions and 75 tackles. Samuel also managed kick and punt return duties(2). Ten minutes before kickoff of Samuel’s final high school game, he replaced his team’s injured starting quarterback. He threw two touchdown passes, intercepted two more, rushed for 80 yards, and even worked on special teams returning kicks and punts(2). Samuel decreased his 40 – yard dash time from 4.5 second during his sophomore year of high school to 4.39 seconds entering the NFL.(2)
College Career
Samuel attended the University of Central Florida, majored in business administration, and played for the UCF Knights football team. He finished his college career with 127 tackles (102 solo, 25 assisted), 8 interceptions, and a school – record 38 passes deflected (the previous record was 34 deflections). Samuel also returned 63 punts for 673 yards, for an average of 10.7 yards per return.(3)
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots selected in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft(5). The Patriots orchestrated a trade with the Denver Broncos to ensure the acquisition of Samuel by agreeing to trade their fourth – (128th overall) and fifth – round (157th overall) picks in the 2003 NFL draft in return for the 2003 fourth – round pick (120th overall) from the Broncos(6). He was the 16th cornerback selected and the last of two cornerbacks drafted by the Patriots in 2003, following second – round pick (39th overall) Eugene Wilson.
2003
On June 10th, 2003, the New England Patriots signed Samuel to a four – year, $1.68 million dollar rookie contract that included a signing bonus of $312,500(7).
Throughout training camp, he competed against Tyrone Poole to earn the role as the number 2 starting cornerback following the departure of Otis Smith. Head coach Bill Belichick named him a backup and listed him as the number 3 cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind starters Tyrone Poole and Ty Law.
On September 7th, 2003, Samuel made his professional regular season debut in the New England Patriots’ season – opener at the Buffalo Bills and made one tackle and one pass deflection as they lost 31 – 0. On September 21st, 2003, Samuel recorded two solo tackles, set a season – high with two pass deflections, and returned his first career interception for a touchdown during a 23 – 16 win against the New York Jets. He intercepted a pass attempt by Vinny Testaverde thrown to wide receiver Wayne Chrebet and returned it 55 – yards to score his first career touchdown. In week 7, Samuel earned his first career start in place of Ty Law, who was inactive due to an ankle injury. He recorded one solo tackle and broke up one pass during a 19 – 13 overtime victory against the Miami Dolphins. On November 3rd, 2003, Samuel made one solo tackle, one pass deflection, and sealed the Patriots’ 30 – 26 victory against the Denver Broncos by intercepting a pass by Danny Kanell to wide receiver Ashley Lelie with 19 seconds remaining in the game(8). In week 13, he set a season – high with eight combined tackles (seven solo) during a 38 – 34 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared in all 16 games throughout his rookie season with one start and finished with a total of 34 combined tackles (29 solo), made five pass deflections, two interceptions, and one touchdown.(9)
The New England Patriots finished the 2003 NFL season with 14 – 2 record, earning a first – round bye. On January 10th, 2004, Samuel appeared in his first career playoff game, but was limited to two solo tackles during a 17 – 14 win against the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round. On February 1st, 2004, Samuel appeared in Super Bowl XXXVIII, as the Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 32 – 29, earning Samuel his first Super Bowl ring.
2004
Throughout training camp, Samuel competed against Tyrone Poole to be the number 2 starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Head coach Bill Belichick named him the primary backup and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind returning starters Ty Law and Tyrone Poole.
In week 6, starting cornerback Tyrone Poole injured his knee during a 30 – 20 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. Samuel was subsequently named as his replacement as the number 2 cornerback entering week 7. On October 31st, 2004, the Patriots’ number 1 starting cornerback, Ty Law, exited in the first quarter of a 34 – 20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a fracture to his foot. Samuel would start alongside rookie Randall Gay for the rest of the season, as Ty Law remained inactive for the last eight games (weeks 10 – 17)(10). On November 7th, 2004, Samuel recorded one solo tackle before exiting in the first quarter of a 40 – 22 victory against the St. Louis Rams due to an injury to his arm. He subsequently remained inactive for the Patriots 29 – 6 win against the Buffalo Bills in week 10(11). he was sidelined two games (weeks 12 – 13) due to a shoulder injury, but returned before fully recovering. In week 14, Samuel set a season – high with three pass deflections and had a pick – six after intercepting a pass by Carson Palmer to wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and returning it 34 – yards for a touchdown during a 35 – 28 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, he set a season – high with six combined tackles (five solo) and had one pass deflection during a 29 – 28 loss at the Miami Dolphins in week 15. On December 17th, 2004, the Patriots officially placed Poole on injured reserve due to his knee injury that required surgery and rendered him inactive(12). He finished the season with a total of 39 combined tackles (37 solo), made 12 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, one interception, and one touchdown in 13 games and eight starts.(9)
The New England Patriots finished the 2004 season first in the AFC East with a 14 – 2 record. On January 16th, 2005, Samuel earned a start in a playoff game for the first time in his career during a 20 – 3 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Round. On February 6th, 2005, Samuel started in Super Bowl XXXIX and recorded four combined tackles (three solo) and led his team with four pass deflections as the Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24 – 21.
2005
The New England Patriots promoted Eric Mangini to defensive coordinator after Romeo Crennel accepted the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns. He entered training camp as a candidate to become the number 1 starting cornerback following the departure of Ty Law. He competed for the role against Tyrone Poole, Randall Gay, Duane Starks, and Chad Scott(13). He began the season as the number 1 cornerback, alongside Tyrone Poole. In week 1, Tyrone Poole injured his ankle and was replaced by Randall Gay as he remained inactive for the rest of the season.
In week 8, he set a season – high with seven solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Kelly Holcomb to wide receiver Eric Moulds as the Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 21 – 16(14). The following week, Samuels set a season – high with eight combined tackles (six solo) and made two pass deflections during a 40 – 21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in week 9(15). He was inactive as the Patriots lost 28 – 26 against the Miami Dolphins in week 17. He finished with a title of 54 tackles (44 solo), 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.(9)
The New England Patriots finished second in the AFC East with a 10 – 6 record to clinch a Wildcard berth. On January 7th, 2006, Samuels made four solo tackles, three pass deflections, and returned an interception thrown by Byron Leftwich to wide receiver Reggie Williams for a 73 – yard touchdown during a 28 – 3 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild – Card game. On January 14th, 2006, Samuels started in the AFC Divisional Round and recorded three solo tackles, made three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jake Plummer to wide receiver Ashley Lelie as the Patriots lost 27 – 13 to the Denver Broncos.(14)
2006
The New England Patriots promoted linebackers coach Dean Pees to defensive coordinator following the departure of Eric Mangini, who became the head coach of the New York Jets. Samuel entered training camp slated as the de facto number 1 starting cornerback following the departures of Tyrone Poole and Duane Starks. Head coach Bill Belichick named Samuel and Ellis Hobbs the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.
On October 8th, 2006, Samuel made six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and had two interceptions on passes thrown by Joey Harrington as the Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 20 – 10. This was his first career performance with multiple interceptions. He was sidelined for the Patriots’ 35 – 0 victory against the Green Bay Packers in week 11 due to a knee injury(16). In week 12, he set a season – high with eight solo tackles, made three pass deflections, and set a career – high with three interceptions off passes thrown by Rex Grossman during a 17 – 13 victory against the Chicago Bears(17). His three interceptions tied the Patriots’ single game interception record(3). The following week, he recorded one solo tackle, set a season – high with four pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jon Kitna to wide receiver Corey Bradford as the Patriots defeated the Detroit Lions 28 – 21(18). On December 31st, 2006, Samuel made two solo tackles, tied his season – high of four pass deflections, and picked off two pass attempts by Vince Young during a 40 – 23 victory against the Tennessee Titans. He had one of the best seasons in his career in 2006, setting career – highs with 64 combined tackles (59 solo), 24 pass deflections, and 10 interceptions, while appearing in 15 games with 15 starts(9). His 10 interceptions tied Broncos’ cornerback Champ Bailey for the most interceptions in 2006. His 10 interceptions are the second most in Patriots’ franchise history for a single season, only behind Ron Hall, who had 11 interceptions (1964).
The New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 12 – 4 record during the 2006 NFL season, to clinch a playoff berth. On January 7th, 2007, Samuel recorded three solo tackles, made three pass deflections, and had a pick – six after picking off a pass by Chad Pennington to wide receiver Justin McCareins and returned it 36 – yards for a touchdown during a 37 – 16 win against the New York Jets in the AFC Wild Card Game(19). On January 21st, 2007, Samuel started in the AFC Championship Game and made two solo tackles, three pass deflections, and returned an interception by Peyton Manning to wide receiver Marvin Harrison and returned it 39 – yards for a touchdown as the Patriots lost 38 – 34 to the Indianapolis Colts(20). The Colts eliminated the Patriots from the playoffs and advanced to the Super Bowl as they defeated the Chicago Bears 29 – 17 to win Super Bowl XLI.
2007
On February 16th, 2007, the New England Patriots opted to assign the franchise tag on Samuel. On August 27th, 2007, Samuel signed his franchise tag, for one – year, $7.79 million dollar tender after he held out for the entire training camp and the majority of the preseason, as he was seeking a long – term contract offer(21). It was reported by The Boston Globe, that his agreement with the Patriots included a contract that slated the Patriots would not be able to place the franchise tag on Samuel for the second consecutive season if he played 60% of the snaps on defense at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL season.(22)
Due to his absence during training camp, the Patriots held a competition between Randall Gay and Chad Scott to name his replacement(23). Head coach Bill Belichick named Randall Gay and Ellis Hobbs as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. On September 8th, 2007, the Patriots officially activated Samuel and added him to their active roster. He began the season as the primary backup cornerback.(24)
On October 1st, 2007, Samuel set a season – high with four solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Carson Palmer to wide receiver Chad Ochocinco during a 34 – 13 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, he recorded two solo tackles, broke up two pass attempts, and intercepted a pass by Derek Anderson to wide receiver Joe Jurevicius as the Patriots defeated the Cleveland Browns 34 – 17 in week 5. This marked his third consecutive game with an interception. In week 12, Samuel made three solo tackles, three pass deflections, set a season – high with two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during a 31 – 28 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. On the opening drive, Samuel had a pick – six, intercepting a pass by A.J. Feeley to running back Brian Westbrook and returned it 40 – yards for a touchdown. He helped secure their victory by intercepting a pass by A.J. Feeley to wide receiver Kevin Curtis with 3:58 remaining in the fourth quarter(25). In week 14, he set a season – high with five combined tackles (three solo) and one pass deflection during a 34 – 13 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers(26). He finished the season with a total of 46 combined tackles (43 solo), 18 pass deflections, six interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games and 14 starts(9). He was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
The New England Patriots were undefeated in 2007, finishing with a record of 16 – 0. On January 20th, 2008, Samuel started in the AFC Championship Game and recorded three solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Philip Rivers to wide receiver Chris Chambers during a 21 – 12 victory against the San Diego Chargers(27). On February 3rd, 2008, Samuel started in Super Bowl XLII and recorded two combined tackles (one solo) and made one pass deflection. Late in the fourth quarter, with 1:20 remaining and the Patriots leading 14 – 10, Samuel dropped a crucial interception on a pass attempt thrown by Eli Manning to wide receiver David Tyree that would have sealed the Patriots victory. On the following play, Eli Manning completed a 32 – yard pass to David Tyree, which became famously known as the Helmet Catch. The New York Giants would have a last – minute comeback victory, defeating the New England Patriots 17 – 10 to win Super Bowl XLII and ended the Patriots 18 game undefeated streak.(28)
The New England Patriots selected in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft(5). The Patriots orchestrated a trade with the Denver Broncos to ensure the acquisition of Samuel by agreeing to trade their fourth – (128th overall) and fifth – round (157th overall) picks in the 2003 NFL draft in return for the 2003 fourth – round pick (120th overall) from the Broncos(6). He was the 16th cornerback selected and the last of two cornerbacks drafted by the Patriots in 2003, following second – round pick (39th overall) Eugene Wilson.
2003
On June 10th, 2003, the New England Patriots signed Samuel to a four – year, $1.68 million dollar rookie contract that included a signing bonus of $312,500(7).
Throughout training camp, he competed against Tyrone Poole to earn the role as the number 2 starting cornerback following the departure of Otis Smith. Head coach Bill Belichick named him a backup and listed him as the number 3 cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind starters Tyrone Poole and Ty Law.
On September 7th, 2003, Samuel made his professional regular season debut in the New England Patriots’ season – opener at the Buffalo Bills and made one tackle and one pass deflection as they lost 31 – 0. On September 21st, 2003, Samuel recorded two solo tackles, set a season – high with two pass deflections, and returned his first career interception for a touchdown during a 23 – 16 win against the New York Jets. He intercepted a pass attempt by Vinny Testaverde thrown to wide receiver Wayne Chrebet and returned it 55 – yards to score his first career touchdown. In week 7, Samuel earned his first career start in place of Ty Law, who was inactive due to an ankle injury. He recorded one solo tackle and broke up one pass during a 19 – 13 overtime victory against the Miami Dolphins. On November 3rd, 2003, Samuel made one solo tackle, one pass deflection, and sealed the Patriots’ 30 – 26 victory against the Denver Broncos by intercepting a pass by Danny Kanell to wide receiver Ashley Lelie with 19 seconds remaining in the game(8). In week 13, he set a season – high with eight combined tackles (seven solo) during a 38 – 34 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared in all 16 games throughout his rookie season with one start and finished with a total of 34 combined tackles (29 solo), made five pass deflections, two interceptions, and one touchdown.(9)
The New England Patriots finished the 2003 NFL season with 14 – 2 record, earning a first – round bye. On January 10th, 2004, Samuel appeared in his first career playoff game, but was limited to two solo tackles during a 17 – 14 win against the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round. On February 1st, 2004, Samuel appeared in Super Bowl XXXVIII, as the Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 32 – 29, earning Samuel his first Super Bowl ring.
2004
Throughout training camp, Samuel competed against Tyrone Poole to be the number 2 starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Head coach Bill Belichick named him the primary backup and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind returning starters Ty Law and Tyrone Poole.
In week 6, starting cornerback Tyrone Poole injured his knee during a 30 – 20 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. Samuel was subsequently named as his replacement as the number 2 cornerback entering week 7. On October 31st, 2004, the Patriots’ number 1 starting cornerback, Ty Law, exited in the first quarter of a 34 – 20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a fracture to his foot. Samuel would start alongside rookie Randall Gay for the rest of the season, as Ty Law remained inactive for the last eight games (weeks 10 – 17)(10). On November 7th, 2004, Samuel recorded one solo tackle before exiting in the first quarter of a 40 – 22 victory against the St. Louis Rams due to an injury to his arm. He subsequently remained inactive for the Patriots 29 – 6 win against the Buffalo Bills in week 10(11). he was sidelined two games (weeks 12 – 13) due to a shoulder injury, but returned before fully recovering. In week 14, Samuel set a season – high with three pass deflections and had a pick – six after intercepting a pass by Carson Palmer to wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and returning it 34 – yards for a touchdown during a 35 – 28 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, he set a season – high with six combined tackles (five solo) and had one pass deflection during a 29 – 28 loss at the Miami Dolphins in week 15. On December 17th, 2004, the Patriots officially placed Poole on injured reserve due to his knee injury that required surgery and rendered him inactive(12). He finished the season with a total of 39 combined tackles (37 solo), made 12 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, one interception, and one touchdown in 13 games and eight starts.(9)
The New England Patriots finished the 2004 season first in the AFC East with a 14 – 2 record. On January 16th, 2005, Samuel earned a start in a playoff game for the first time in his career during a 20 – 3 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Round. On February 6th, 2005, Samuel started in Super Bowl XXXIX and recorded four combined tackles (three solo) and led his team with four pass deflections as the Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24 – 21.
2005
The New England Patriots promoted Eric Mangini to defensive coordinator after Romeo Crennel accepted the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns. He entered training camp as a candidate to become the number 1 starting cornerback following the departure of Ty Law. He competed for the role against Tyrone Poole, Randall Gay, Duane Starks, and Chad Scott(13). He began the season as the number 1 cornerback, alongside Tyrone Poole. In week 1, Tyrone Poole injured his ankle and was replaced by Randall Gay as he remained inactive for the rest of the season.
In week 8, he set a season – high with seven solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Kelly Holcomb to wide receiver Eric Moulds as the Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 21 – 16(14). The following week, Samuels set a season – high with eight combined tackles (six solo) and made two pass deflections during a 40 – 21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in week 9(15). He was inactive as the Patriots lost 28 – 26 against the Miami Dolphins in week 17. He finished with a title of 54 tackles (44 solo), 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.(9)
The New England Patriots finished second in the AFC East with a 10 – 6 record to clinch a Wildcard berth. On January 7th, 2006, Samuels made four solo tackles, three pass deflections, and returned an interception thrown by Byron Leftwich to wide receiver Reggie Williams for a 73 – yard touchdown during a 28 – 3 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild – Card game. On January 14th, 2006, Samuels started in the AFC Divisional Round and recorded three solo tackles, made three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jake Plummer to wide receiver Ashley Lelie as the Patriots lost 27 – 13 to the Denver Broncos.(14)
2006
The New England Patriots promoted linebackers coach Dean Pees to defensive coordinator following the departure of Eric Mangini, who became the head coach of the New York Jets. Samuel entered training camp slated as the de facto number 1 starting cornerback following the departures of Tyrone Poole and Duane Starks. Head coach Bill Belichick named Samuel and Ellis Hobbs the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.
On October 8th, 2006, Samuel made six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and had two interceptions on passes thrown by Joey Harrington as the Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 20 – 10. This was his first career performance with multiple interceptions. He was sidelined for the Patriots’ 35 – 0 victory against the Green Bay Packers in week 11 due to a knee injury(16). In week 12, he set a season – high with eight solo tackles, made three pass deflections, and set a career – high with three interceptions off passes thrown by Rex Grossman during a 17 – 13 victory against the Chicago Bears(17). His three interceptions tied the Patriots’ single game interception record(3). The following week, he recorded one solo tackle, set a season – high with four pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jon Kitna to wide receiver Corey Bradford as the Patriots defeated the Detroit Lions 28 – 21(18). On December 31st, 2006, Samuel made two solo tackles, tied his season – high of four pass deflections, and picked off two pass attempts by Vince Young during a 40 – 23 victory against the Tennessee Titans. He had one of the best seasons in his career in 2006, setting career – highs with 64 combined tackles (59 solo), 24 pass deflections, and 10 interceptions, while appearing in 15 games with 15 starts(9). His 10 interceptions tied Broncos’ cornerback Champ Bailey for the most interceptions in 2006. His 10 interceptions are the second most in Patriots’ franchise history for a single season, only behind Ron Hall, who had 11 interceptions (1964).
The New England Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 12 – 4 record during the 2006 NFL season, to clinch a playoff berth. On January 7th, 2007, Samuel recorded three solo tackles, made three pass deflections, and had a pick – six after picking off a pass by Chad Pennington to wide receiver Justin McCareins and returned it 36 – yards for a touchdown during a 37 – 16 win against the New York Jets in the AFC Wild Card Game(19). On January 21st, 2007, Samuel started in the AFC Championship Game and made two solo tackles, three pass deflections, and returned an interception by Peyton Manning to wide receiver Marvin Harrison and returned it 39 – yards for a touchdown as the Patriots lost 38 – 34 to the Indianapolis Colts(20). The Colts eliminated the Patriots from the playoffs and advanced to the Super Bowl as they defeated the Chicago Bears 29 – 17 to win Super Bowl XLI.
2007
On February 16th, 2007, the New England Patriots opted to assign the franchise tag on Samuel. On August 27th, 2007, Samuel signed his franchise tag, for one – year, $7.79 million dollar tender after he held out for the entire training camp and the majority of the preseason, as he was seeking a long – term contract offer(21). It was reported by The Boston Globe, that his agreement with the Patriots included a contract that slated the Patriots would not be able to place the franchise tag on Samuel for the second consecutive season if he played 60% of the snaps on defense at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL season.(22)
Due to his absence during training camp, the Patriots held a competition between Randall Gay and Chad Scott to name his replacement(23). Head coach Bill Belichick named Randall Gay and Ellis Hobbs as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. On September 8th, 2007, the Patriots officially activated Samuel and added him to their active roster. He began the season as the primary backup cornerback.(24)
On October 1st, 2007, Samuel set a season – high with four solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Carson Palmer to wide receiver Chad Ochocinco during a 34 – 13 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, he recorded two solo tackles, broke up two pass attempts, and intercepted a pass by Derek Anderson to wide receiver Joe Jurevicius as the Patriots defeated the Cleveland Browns 34 – 17 in week 5. This marked his third consecutive game with an interception. In week 12, Samuel made three solo tackles, three pass deflections, set a season – high with two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during a 31 – 28 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. On the opening drive, Samuel had a pick – six, intercepting a pass by A.J. Feeley to running back Brian Westbrook and returned it 40 – yards for a touchdown. He helped secure their victory by intercepting a pass by A.J. Feeley to wide receiver Kevin Curtis with 3:58 remaining in the fourth quarter(25). In week 14, he set a season – high with five combined tackles (three solo) and one pass deflection during a 34 – 13 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers(26). He finished the season with a total of 46 combined tackles (43 solo), 18 pass deflections, six interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games and 14 starts(9). He was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
The New England Patriots were undefeated in 2007, finishing with a record of 16 – 0. On January 20th, 2008, Samuel started in the AFC Championship Game and recorded three solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Philip Rivers to wide receiver Chris Chambers during a 21 – 12 victory against the San Diego Chargers(27). On February 3rd, 2008, Samuel started in Super Bowl XLII and recorded two combined tackles (one solo) and made one pass deflection. Late in the fourth quarter, with 1:20 remaining and the Patriots leading 14 – 10, Samuel dropped a crucial interception on a pass attempt thrown by Eli Manning to wide receiver David Tyree that would have sealed the Patriots victory. On the following play, Eli Manning completed a 32 – yard pass to David Tyree, which became famously known as the Helmet Catch. The New York Giants would have a last – minute comeback victory, defeating the New England Patriots 17 – 10 to win Super Bowl XLII and ended the Patriots 18 game undefeated streak.(28)
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