Photo Credit: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/
video/legend-of-the-week-asante-samuel
video/legend-of-the-week-asante-samuel
2008
On February 29th, 2008, within minutes of the official start of free agency, it was reported that Samuel would be meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, as he was considered one of the sought – after free agents(29). Later that day, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Samuel to a six – year, $59.47 million dollar contract as an unrestricted free agent, that includes $6.60 million dollars guaranteed and an initial signing bonus of $6 million dollars(7). Upon being signed, Samuel was quoted as saying, “I just want to be able to win and get back to the Super Bowl.” He entered training camp as the de facto number 1 starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Head coach Andy Reid named him a starting cornerback to begin the season and started him alongside Sheldon Brown and nickelback Lito Sheppard.
On September 15th, 2007, Samuel made two solo tackles, one pass deflection, and had his first interception as a member of the Eagles during a 41 -37 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. His first interception of the season was on a pass attempt thrown by Tony Romo to wide receiver Miles Austin. The following week, he set a season – high with six combined tackles (four solo), made two pass deflections, intercepted a pass by Ben Roethlisberger to wide receiver Nate Washington in week 3. He was inactive as the Eagles defeated the Arizona Cardinals 48 – 20 in week 13 due to an injury to his neck that was described as a stinger(30). On December 15th, 2008, Samuel made one solo tackle, one pass deflection, and returned an interception thrown by Ken Dorsey to wide receiver Donte Stallworth for a 50 – yard touchdown during a 30 – 10 victory against the Cleveland Browns(31). He finished the season with a total of 36 combined tackles (32 solo), tied his career – high with 24 pass deflections, made four interceptions, and scored one touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts.(9)
The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2008 NFL season second in the NFC East with a 9 – 6 – 1 record, earning a wildcard berth. On January 4th, 2009, Samuel made one solo tackle, a pass deflection, and returned an interception on a pass by Tavaris Jackson thrown to wide receiver Sidney Rice 44 – yards for a touchdown during a 26 – 14 victory against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild – Card Game. He set an NFL record with his fourth interception returned for a touchdown in the postseason(32). The following week, Samuel recorded four solo tackles, made one pass deflection, and picked off a pass by Eli Manning thrown to wide receiver Domenik Hixon as the Eagles won the NFC Divisional Round 23 – 11 against the New York Giants(33). On January 18th, 2009, Samuel started in the NFC Championship Game and recorded three solo tackles as the Eagles lost 32 – 25 against the Arizona Cardinals.
2009
On May 18th, 2009, the Philadelphia Eagles promoted defensive backs coach Sean McDermott to defensive coordinator following the departure of Jim Johnson due to medical leave. McDermott chose to retain Samuel and Sheldon Brown as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.
On September 13th, 2009, Samuel started in the Eagles’ season – opener at the Carolina Panthers and made three solo tackles, set a season – high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jake Delhomme to wide receiver Steve Smith Jr. as they won 38 – 10. In week 5, he made four solo tackles, two pass deflections, and set a season – high with two interceptions on pass attempts by Jason Campbell during a 27 – 24 win against the Washington Redskins. On December 20th, 2009, Samuel made four solo tackles, a pass deflection, a fumble recovery, and had his eighth interception on the pass attempt by Alex Smith to tight end Vernon Davis during a 27 – 13 win against the San Francisco 49ers. The following week, he set a season – high with five solo tackles, made a pass deflection, and had his ninth interception of the season on a pass attempt by Kyle Orton to tight end Tony Scheffler as the Eagles defeated the Denver Broncos 30 – 27 in week 16. He started all 15 games for the first time in his career and finished with a total of 40 combined tackles (39 solo), 16 pass deflections, nine interceptions, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery(9). With nine interceptions in 2009, Samuel tied for the most interceptions that season, along with Jarius Byrd, Charles Woodson, and Darren Sharper. His nine interceptions tied for second in franchise history for most interceptions in a single season, with Don Burroughs (1960), and Ed “Bibbles” Bawel (1955). He was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl(34). He was ranked 54th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.(35)
2010
He returned to training camp as the number 1 starting cornerback. Samuel and Ellis Hobbs began the season as the starting cornerbacks for the second consecutive season. In week 4, Samuel recorded two solo tackles, before exiting in the fourth quarter of a 17 – 12 loss to the Washington Redskins after he suffered a concussion while making a tackle on tight end Mike Sellers(36). He subsequently remained inactive for the Eagles’ 27 – 24 victory against the San Francisco 49ers in week 5 due to his concussion. On October 17th, 2010, he made four combined tackles (three solo), set a season – high with three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass made by Matt Ryan to tight end Tony Gonzalez as the Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31 – 17(37). In week 7, he made three combined tackles (two solo), one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Kerry Collins to Kenny Britt during a 37 – 19 loss against the Tennessee Titans. On November 7th, 2010, he made two pass deflections and set a season – high with two interceptions during a 26 – 24 win against the Indianapolis Colts. He sealed the Eagles’ victory with 18 seconds remaining, by intercepting a pass attempt by Peyton Manning to wide receiver Blair White(38). In week 11, Samuel recorded two solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and tied his season – high of two interceptions on pass attempts by Eli Manning during a 27 – 17 win against the New York Giants(39). During the game, Samuel injured his knee while recovering a fumble and subsequently remained inactive for the next three games (weeks 12 – 14). He was sidelined as the Eagles lost 14 – 13 to the Dallas Cowboys in week 17 after reinjuring his knee(40). He finished the 2010 NFL season with a total of 26 combined tackles (22 solo), 14 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and one forced fumble in 11 games and 10 starts.(9)
2011
On February 2nd, 2011, the Philadelphia Eagles unexpectedly promoted offensive lineman coach Juan Castillo to defensive coordinator after Sean McDermott was fired following the 2010 NFL season. Castillo retained Samuel as the number one starting cornerback to begin training camp. On July 28th, 2011, the Eagles acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals and also signed top unrestricted free agent Nnamdi Asomugha the following day. Head coach Andy Reid named Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha the starting cornerbacks to begin the season along with nickelback Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie.(41)
On September 11th, 2011, Samuel started in the Eagles’ season – opener at the St. Louis Rams and set a season – high with five solo tackles as they won 31 – 13(42). The following week, he recorded two solo tackles, set a season – high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Matt Ryan to wide receiver Julio Jones during a 35 – 31 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in week 2. On October 28th, 2011, following practice, Samuel openly criticized the Eagles’ front office during an interview and expressed his frustration about repeated trade rumors that immediately began after the Eagles acquired Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie during training camp.(43)
On November 20th, 2011, Samuel made four combined tackles (three solo), two pass deflections, and had a pick – six after intercepting a pass attempt by John Skelton to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and returning it for a 20 – yard touchdown as the Eagles lost 21 – 17 against the Arizona Cardinals. In week 15, he made two combined tackles (one solo), one pass deflection, and had his last interception as a member of the Eagles on a pass by Mark Sanchez to wide receiver Santonio Holmes as the Eagles defeated the New York Jest 45 – 19(44). Due to a hamstring injury, Samuel was inactive for the last two games of the season (weeks 16 – 17). He finished his last season with the Philadelphia Eagles with a total of 34 combined tackles (30 solo), 10 pass deflections, three interceptions, one touchdown, a forced fumble, a one fumble recovery in 14 games and 14 starts.(9)
"Couple people upstairs might not want me, but who cares. They've probably never played football. It's a business and they run it like a business and they're going to do what they need to do. They're playing with a lot of money, playing fantasy football, doing their thing." (When asked if he was referring to GM Howie Roseman and President Joe Banner) "Howie and Joe? I don't know, do they fit the comment I made? There ya go. You think they're upstairs playing fantasy football with the owner's money? That sucks, doesn’t it?. Each trade deadline for your name to be flying around and you’re supposed to be the leader of this team."
–Asante Samuel
Photo Credit: https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/
sports/nfl/2012/09/07/asante-samuel-will-see-plenty-
action-falcons/14484032007/
2012
On April 25th, 2012, the Atlanta Falcons acquired Samuel in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and in return received a seventh – round pick (229th overall) in the 2012 NFL draft(45). The Falcons only agreed to the trade after Samuel agreed to restructure his contract that still had two – years, $21.30 million dollars remaining(46). The Atlanta Falcons signed Samuel to a three – year $14.70 million dollar contract extension that included $2.25 million dollars guaranteed.(7)
On April 25th, 2012, the Atlanta Falcons acquired Samuel in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and in return received a seventh – round pick (229th overall) in the 2012 NFL draft(45). The Falcons only agreed to the trade after Samuel agreed to restructure his contract that still had two – years, $21.30 million dollars remaining(46). The Atlanta Falcons signed Samuel to a three – year $14.70 million dollar contract extension that included $2.25 million dollars guaranteed.(7)
The Falcons entered trade talks with the Eagles to possibly acquire Samuel after Brent Grimes publicly
refused to sign his franchise tag and would hold out until he received a long – term deal(47). Throughout training camp, he competed to earn a role as a starting cornerback against Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Head coach Mike Smith named Samuel a backup and listed him as the number three cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind starters Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson.
In week 2, he set a season – high with seven combined tackles (six solo) during a 27 – 21 victory against the Denver Broncos. He entered the game as a replacement for Brent Grimes who exited due to an injury(48). On September 11th, 2012, the Falcons officially placed Brent Grimes on injured reserve due to a torn Achillies tendon. Samuel was therefore promoted to the number 2 starting cornerback for the rest of the season. On October 14th, 2012, Samuel made four solo tackles, one pass deflection, and led the Falcons to a 23 – 20 comeback victory against the Oakland Raiders with a pick – six late in the fourth quarter. Samuel intercepted a pass attempt thrown by Carson Palmer to wide receiver Denarius Moore and returned in 79 – yards for a touchdown with 3:54 remaining. In week 10, he recorded two solo tackles, set a season – high with three pass deflections, and picked off a pass attempt by Drew Brees to wide receiver Marques Colston during a 31 – 27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. On November 29th, 2012, Samuel exited early in the first quarter of a 23 – 13 win against the Saints after re – injuring his shoulder that he originally injured while tackling Larry Fitzgerald in week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals. In week 15, Samuel recorded one tackle, made two pass deflections, and intercepted the first pass attempt by Eli Manning that was thrown to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks as the Falcons routed the New York Giants 34 – 0. On December 30th, 2012, Samuel made two tackles, two pass deflections, and had his third consecutive game with an interception after picking off a pass by Josh Freeman to wide receiver Tiquan Underwood during a 22 – 17 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished the 2012 NFL season with 37 combined tackles (34 solo), 15 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a single touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts.(9)
2013
Following the departures of Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, the Falcons selected Desmond Trufant in the first – round (22nd overall) and Robert Alford in the second – round (60th overall) of the 2013 NFL draft. Throughout training camp, Samuel competed against Desmond Trufant, Robert McClain, and Robert Alford to earn a starting role at cornerback. Head coach Mike Smith named Samuel the number 1 starting cornerback to begin he season, alongside Desmond Trufant.(49)
Samuel was inactive in week 1, as the Falcons lost 23 – 17 against the New Orleans Saints due to an injury to his thigh(50). He was inactive again as the Falcons lost 30 – 23 against the New England Patriots in week 4, due to his lingering thigh injury(51). On October 27th, 2013, Samuel recorded three solo tackles, broke up a pass, and had his last career interception after picking off a pass by Carson Palmer to wide receiver Andre Roberts during a 27 – 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The following week, he set a season – high with eight solo tackles and made one pass deflection during a 34 – 10 loss against the Carolina Panthers in week 9(52). Entering week 14, head coach Mike Smith chose to bench Samuel and listed him as inactive as a healthy scratch, replacing him with Robert Alford against the Green Bay Packers. He was benched again and was listed as inactive as a healthy scratch for the last two games of the season in lieu of Robert Alford(53). Although Samuel began the season as the Falcons’ number 1 starting cornerback, by season’s end he was listed as the number 5 cornerback on the depth chart, behind Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Robert McClain, and Dominique Franks. He finished the season with 30 combined tackles (29 solo), four pass deflections, and one interception in 11 games and 10 starts.(9)
2014
On February 5th, 2014, the Falcons released him.(54)(55)(56)
Personal Life
Samuel has a tattoo on his left arm that says “Get Rich To This.” It was widely reported during Samuel’s post – 2006 contract situation that the tattoo said “Get Paid”. Samuel’s tattoo is the name of a Goodie Mob song that Samuel liked in college.(57)
Samuel married his wife in 2012. Samuel’s son Asante Jr., was born in 1999 and played cornerback at Florida State University(58). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL draft.
Asante’s cousin Deebo Samuel plays for the Washington Commanders.
For more statistics about Asante Samuel, click here:
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/
Following the departures of Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, the Falcons selected Desmond Trufant in the first – round (22nd overall) and Robert Alford in the second – round (60th overall) of the 2013 NFL draft. Throughout training camp, Samuel competed against Desmond Trufant, Robert McClain, and Robert Alford to earn a starting role at cornerback. Head coach Mike Smith named Samuel the number 1 starting cornerback to begin he season, alongside Desmond Trufant.(49)
Samuel was inactive in week 1, as the Falcons lost 23 – 17 against the New Orleans Saints due to an injury to his thigh(50). He was inactive again as the Falcons lost 30 – 23 against the New England Patriots in week 4, due to his lingering thigh injury(51). On October 27th, 2013, Samuel recorded three solo tackles, broke up a pass, and had his last career interception after picking off a pass by Carson Palmer to wide receiver Andre Roberts during a 27 – 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The following week, he set a season – high with eight solo tackles and made one pass deflection during a 34 – 10 loss against the Carolina Panthers in week 9(52). Entering week 14, head coach Mike Smith chose to bench Samuel and listed him as inactive as a healthy scratch, replacing him with Robert Alford against the Green Bay Packers. He was benched again and was listed as inactive as a healthy scratch for the last two games of the season in lieu of Robert Alford(53). Although Samuel began the season as the Falcons’ number 1 starting cornerback, by season’s end he was listed as the number 5 cornerback on the depth chart, behind Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Robert McClain, and Dominique Franks. He finished the season with 30 combined tackles (29 solo), four pass deflections, and one interception in 11 games and 10 starts.(9)
2014
On February 5th, 2014, the Falcons released him.(54)(55)(56)
Personal Life
Samuel has a tattoo on his left arm that says “Get Rich To This.” It was widely reported during Samuel’s post – 2006 contract situation that the tattoo said “Get Paid”. Samuel’s tattoo is the name of a Goodie Mob song that Samuel liked in college.(57)
Samuel married his wife in 2012. Samuel’s son Asante Jr., was born in 1999 and played cornerback at Florida State University(58). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL draft.
Asante’s cousin Deebo Samuel plays for the Washington Commanders.
For more statistics about Asante Samuel, click here:
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/
2024.
contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 29,
November 3rd, 2003". pro-football-reference.
pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved May 26,
2025.
10. Michael Felger (December 20, 2004).
10. Michael Felger (December 20, 2004).
focus". milforddailynews.com. Retrieved
injury". ESPN.com. December 18, 2004.
Retrieved May 26, 2025.
13. Michael Felger (September 14, 2005).
13. Michael Felger (September 14, 2005).
to man old roles". milforddailynews.com.
Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 27,
December 29, 2005. Retrieved May 26,
Patriots.com. November 16, 2006.
Game Logs (2006)". Pro-Football-Reference.
December 16th, 2006". Pro-Football-
Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 1,
(November 27, 2007). "Did Eagles' plan vs.
July 27, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
24. Len Pasquerelli (September 8, 2007).
24. Len Pasquerelli (September 8, 2007).
against the Jets". ESPN.com. Retrieved
Football-Reference.com. Retrieved
Game Logs (2007)". Pro-Football-
January 20th, 2008". Pro-Football-
left cornerback for Eagles". NJ.com.
Game Logs (2008)". Pro-Football-
Species List". hogshaven.com. October 4,
October 17th, 2010". pro-football-
- November 7, 2010". pro-football-
reference.com. May 28, 2025.
Game Logs (2010)". Pro-Football-
Columbian.com. January 2, 2011.
philadelphiaeagles.com. August 8, 2011.
Game Logs (2011)". Pro-Football-
"playing fantasy football"". NBCSports.com.
December 17th, 2011". pro-football-
ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 25, 2012.
com. April 25, 2012. Retrieved May 28,
Corner Position". AtlantaFalcons.com.
Game Logs (2012)". Pro-Football-
the Falcons current depth chart". thefalco
Asante Samuel out for Atlanta". SBNation.
com. September 8, 2013. Retrieved May 28,
2025.
51. Dave Choate (September 29, 2013).
51. Dave Choate (September 29, 2013).
Inactive Against Patriots". thefalcoholic.
Game Logs (2013)". Pro-Football-
Profootballtalk.com. Retrieved February 5,
2014.
57. Guregian, Karen (October 11, 2007).
57. Guregian, Karen (October 11, 2007).
legacy CB recruit chooses FSU". Tomahawk
Nation. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
No comments:
Post a Comment