THE SAMUEL FILE
Son of former NFL CB, Asante Samuel Sr.
Third-team All-ACC, 2019
First-team All-ACC, 2020
By Lenn Robbins
Hello, my name is Asante Samuel Jr. and you probably know me as:
- The son of former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. or
- The other starting defensive back for the Chargers from Florida State not named Derwin James.
Samuel, of course, doesn’t want to be known as either. When he was going into the 2021 NFL Draft he boldly stated he was best cornerback available. James has stated that he believes he’s the best safety in the league.
And Samuel seems to have a strained relationship with his father, who played for 11 seasons, won two Super Bowl rings and twice led the league in interceptions.
“People say, ‘Oh, he’s the son of Asante Samuel, so of course,’” Samuel Jr. said. “That’s kind of giving to his legacy and taking away from mine.… For some people, it’s like I’m trying to live off his name.”
Talk about wanting to make a name for himself. Samuel will probably get that chance this season. The Chargers signed Pats free agent J.C. Jackson to a massive free agent deal to lock down one corner. James is one of the best safeties. And free safety Nasir Adderley has come of age.
Opposing teams will come after Samuel. It sounds like that’s just the way he wants it.