Troubling new information has surfaced in the disappearance of former NFL cornerback Sam Beal, who hasn’t been seen since July 2025 — nearly seven months ago.
The 29-year-old, drafted by the New York Giants in the 2018 supplemental draft out of Western Michigan, played sparingly over three seasons due to injuries, appearing in nine games with limited production before his release in 2021.
Post-football struggles intensified. Beal was incarcerated from September 2024 to February 2025 on child support-related charges, reports TMZ.
Following his release, those close to him noticed changes: He discontinued prescribed medication because he “didn’t like the way it made him feel” and appeared unsettled. He made alarming statements, including “If I was gone nobody would even care” and expressing indifference if a tornado took him.
Beal’s last known actions came in July 2025, when he borrowed his girlfriend’s car in Michigan after dropping her off, claiming he was heading to work. Instead, he drove to Virginia Beach, Virginia — an area with no apparent connections. Communication stopped after he messaged that he was returning home.
The car was recovered abandoned, with his shoes, socks, and sand on the floorboard.
A missing persons report was filed in August 2025 after he missed a probation check-in. His sister, Essence Zhane, issued an emotional public appeal this week, saying she misses his hugs and that his children “act just like you.”
Anyone with information should call Kentwood PD at (616) 698-6580 or Virginia Beach PD at (757) 385-4141.
