Ne York Giants cornerback Sam Beal talks to reporters after an offseason workout in 2019.
Former NFL CB's Family Still Seeking Closure After More Than A Year 1
The NFL has many former players who have not managed to have an illustrious and sustainable career. Many of these players often face various problems after their career abruptly ends.
One of these players was Sam Beal, who once played as a cornerback for the New York Giants. However, there has been no word from him for a long time, and his family has been asking for urgent help.
Former NFL player Sam Beal missing for 15 months
Beal was selected by the Giants in the third round of the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft out of Western Michigan. He appeared in nine games over three seasons, recording 27 tackles, one pass deflection, and one safety before the team released him in 2021. The cornerback has since not played in the NFL.
New York Giants cornerback Sam Beal (23) warms up before his Giants debut against the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford.
New York Giants cornerback Sam Beal (23) warms up before his Giants debut against the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Nyj Week 10
Beal has been missing since July 2025. He was last seen on July 12, 2025, after dropping his girlfriend off at a relative’s home in the Kentwood, Michigan, area. He borrowed her car, saying he was heading to his job at an Amazon facility, but instead drove to Virginia Beach, Virginia. On July 13, he contacted her by phone or text, stating he was in Virginia Beach and planned to return home. He has not been heard from since, and he was reportedly suffering.
The vehicle was later recovered near the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Inside were Beal’s shoes and socks on the front passenger floorboard, along with sand. He left with only the clothes he wore, a pair of slides, and a wallet containing his driver’s license and bank card, which has shown no activity.
A missing-persons report was filed with the Kentwood Police Department in August 2025 after a delay caused by miscommunication. The case is also handled by Virginia Beach police and is listed with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Despite more than 15 months passing by, no confirmed sightings of Beal nor any significant update been reported.
Beal is also wanted for not paying child support. His family has been looking for him, and are even publicly asking for help.
Former NFL player’s family asks for help
Beal’s sister Essence Zhane publicly asked for help in finding her brother. In a Facebook post, she asked for public help after trying their best. She wrote, “Tomorrow makes it 7 months since we’ve last heard from or seen my brother. We’ve done everything we could on our end to piece things together and at this point we’re in desperate need of support on all ends.”
She added, “I’m not here to answer a bunch of why’s and how’s I just need this to land in the right direction to gain some form of answers or closure. I’m a Big sister and I need my brother to know that We Love You and miss you and this has been a heavy feeling for months to carry around.”
Sam Beal still remains missing, and it remains to be seen whether he can eventually be found.
More NFL News: