{{Short description|Nigerian American football player (born 1995)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2019}} {{Infobox NFL biography | image = Samson Ebukam 2018.JPG | image_size = | caption = Ebukam with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 | alt = | name = Samson Ebukam | current_team = Atlanta Falcons | number = 52 | position = Linebacker | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|5|9}} | birth_place = Lagos, Nigeria | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 2 | weight_lbs = 245 | high_school = David Douglas {{nowrap|(Portland, Oregon, U.S.)}} | college = Eastern Washington (2013–2016) | draftyear = 2017 | draftround = 4 | draftpick = 125 | pastteams = * Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2020}}) * San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2021}}–{{NFL Year|2022}}) * Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2023}}–{{NFL Year|2025}}) * Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2026}}–present) | status = Active | highlights = * FCS All-American (2016) * First-team All-Big Sky (2016) * 2× Second-team All-Big Sky (2014, 2015) | statweek = | statseason = 2025 | statlabel1 = Total tackles | statvalue1 = 314 | statlabel2 = Sacks | statvalue2 = 35.0 | statlabel3 = Forced fumbles | statvalue3 = 11 | statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries | statvalue4 = 6 | statlabel5 = Pass deflections | statvalue5 = 9 | statlabel6 = Interceptions | statvalue6 = 1 | statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns | statvalue7 = 2 | pfr = EbukSa00 }}
'''Nnamka Samson Ebukam''' (born May 9, 1995) is a Nigerian-American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Eastern Washington Eagles and was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft.
==Early life== Ebukam was born in Onitsha, Nigeria, and moved to the United States at the age of nine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gold |first=Johnathan |date=January 7, 2019 |title=The odyssey of Samson Ebukam: From Nigeria to the NFL playoffs |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25706724 |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He attended and graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon, in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arnold |first=Geoffrey C. |date=2023-03-15 |title=Former local prep star Samson Ebukam signs deal with the Indianapolis Colts: Report |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2023/03/former-local-prep-star-samson-ebukam-signs-deal-with-the-indianapolis-colts-report.html |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=OregonLive |language=en}}</ref> While there, he played high school football for the Scots. As a senior, Ebukam played at defensive end, tight end, and fullback, earning First Team All-Mount Hood Conference honors as a defensive end, and also earning honorable mention honors as a tight end.<ref name="goeags">{{Cite web |title=Samson Ebukam – 2016 – Football |url=https://goeags.com/sports/football/roster/samson-ebukam/4555 |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Eastern Washington University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>
==College career== Coming out of high school, Ebukam received only two Division I scholarship offers. He chose to attend Eastern Washington University over an offer from Portland State.<ref name="offers">{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Jim |date=October 28, 2016 |title=EWU defensive end Samson Ebukam is a game-changer for the Eagles |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/oct/28/ewus-samson-ebukam-is-a-game-changer/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Spokesman.com}}</ref>
Ebukam played for Eastern Washington as a three-year starter. Over 38 career collegiate starts, Ebukam produced 188 tackles, 44 tackles for losses, and 24 sacks. As a senior, he tallied 15 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks, plus three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, eight quarterback hits, and an interception.<ref name="stats">{{Cite web |last=Kruse |first=Zach |date=2017-04-09 |title='Sleeper' pass-rushing prospect Samson Ebukam to visit Packers |url=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2017/04/09/sleeper-pass-rushing-prospect-samson-ebukam-to-visit-packers/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Packers Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Professional career== ===Pre-draft=== Ebukam was not selected to participate in the 2017 NFL Combine, but he did participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Players Well Represented in NFL Draft |url=https://www.nflpa.com/nflpa-collegiate-bowl-players-well-represented-in-nfl-draft |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=www.nflpa.com |language=en-US}}</ref> {{NFL predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 1 7/8 | weight = 240 | dash = 4.45 | ten split = 1.53 | twenty split = 2.57 | shuttle = 4.31 | cone drill = 7.02 | vertical = 39 | broad ft = 10 | broad in = 10 | bench = 24 | wonderlic = | arm span = 32 1/2 | hand span = 9 5/8 | wingspan ft = 6 | wingspan in = 6 3/4 | note = All values from 2017 EWU Pro Day<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Annual Pro Day Features Six Eagles, Including Kupp |url=https://goeags.com/news/2017/3/28/football-annual-pro-day-features-six-eagles-including-kupp.aspx |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Eastern Washington University Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=133442&DraftYear=2017 |title=Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington, OLB, 2017 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> }}
===Los Angeles Rams=== thumb|Ebukam in 2018
====2017==== The Los Angeles Rams selected Ebukam in the fourth round with the 125th overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft.<ref name="2017draft">{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/draft.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nflpa">{{Cite web |title=Ebukam and Bourne to Play Saturday in NFLPA Bowl |url=http://www.goeags.com/news/2017/1/20/football-ebukam-and-bourne-to-play-saturday-in-nflpa-bowl.aspx?path=football |publisher=goeags.com |accessdate=April 11, 2017}}</ref> The Rams traded their fourth-round (141st overall) and sixth-round (197th overall) picks in the 2017 NFL Draft to the New York Jets and received the fourth round pick (125th overall) used to draft Ebukam.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAtee |first=Joe |date=April 29, 2017 |title=2017 NFL Draft Results: Los Angeles Rams Trade Up With New York Jets To Select Eastern Washington LB Samson Ebukam |url=http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/4/29/15485574/2017-nfl-draft-results-los-angeles-rams-trade-new-york-jets-eastern-washington-samson-ebukam |access-date=May 7, 2017 |website=Turf Show Times|publisher=SB Nation}}</ref> Ebukam was the 17th linebacker drafted in 2017.<ref name="2017draft" /> {{external media | video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000804658/Rams-select-Samson-Ebukam-No-125-in-the-2017-NFL-Draft Rams draft Samson Ebukam 125th overall] | video2 = [https://www.therams.com/video/samson-ebukam-highlights-18800522 Samson Ebukam NFL Draft Highlights] }} On June 20, 2017, the Rams signed Ebukam to a four-year, $3.01 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $613,082.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Samson Ebukam contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/samson-ebukam-21867/ |website=Spotrac.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref>
Throughout training camp, Ebukam competed to be a backup outside linebacker against Morgan Fox, Ejuan Price, Cory Littleton, and Carlos Thompson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boner, Tevin |date=July 5, 2017 |title=2017 Rams Roster Preview: OLB Morgan Fox Seeking Position Change Boost? |url=https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/7/5/15912766/la-rams-roster-2017-preview-morgan-fox |website=TurfShowTimes.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref> Head coach Sean McVay named Ebukam a backup outside linebacker to start the regular season, behind Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Rams release first depth chart of regular season |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2017/09/05/nfl-los-angeles-rams-depth-chart-regular-season-2017/ |access-date=October 14, 2018 |website=theramswire.usatoday.com}}</ref> {{external media | video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000876018/Samson-Ebukam-strip-sacks-Tom-Savage-Rams-recover Ebukam strip sacks Tom Savage] }} He made his professional regular season debut in the Rams' season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts and recorded three solo tackles in their 46–9 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100ram.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref> On November 12, 2017, Ebukam recorded one solo tackle and forced the first fumble of his career during a sack in the Rams' 33–7 win against the Houston Texans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams – November 12th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711120ram.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Ebukam made his first career sack on Texans' quarterback Tom Savage for a seven-yard loss and forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Tyrunn Walker in the third quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 10-2017: Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams |url=https://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017111208/2017/REG10/texans@rams |website=NFL.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref> On December 3, 2017, Ebukam earned his first career start and collected a season-high five solo tackles in a 32–16 win at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Samson Ebukam (2017) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/samsonebukam/2558830/gamelogs?season=2017 |website=NFL.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref> He finished his rookie season in 2017 with 31 combined tackles (26 solo), two sacks, and a forced fumble in 16 games and two starts.<ref name="career">{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Samson Ebukam (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/samsonebukam/2558830/careerstats |website=NFL.com |accessdate=October 14, 2018}}</ref>
The Los Angeles Rams finished the 2017 season first in the NFC West with an 11–5 record and earned a playoff berth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/index.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> On January 6, 2018, Ebukam appeared in his first career playoff game and made one tackle during the Rams' 26–13 loss against the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams – January 6th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801060ram.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2018==== Ebukam entered training camp slated as a starting outside linebacker. Head coach Sean McVay named Ebukam and Matt Longacre the starting outside linebackers to begin the regular season, alongside inside linebackers Mark Barron and Cory Littleton.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=September 4, 2018 |title=Rams Week 1 depth chart: Kelly is No. 4 RB, Littleton starting next to Barron |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/04/nfl-rams-depth-chart-week-1-raiders-roster/ |accessdate=October 14, 2018 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> In Week 11 on ''Monday Night Football'', Ebukam scored two defensive touchdowns off turnovers (one fumble, one interception) and forced another interception in a 54–51 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams – November 19th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811190ram.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Knoblach, Austin |date=November 21, 2018 |title=Samson Ebukam, Saquon Barkley among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000990812/article/samson-ebukam-barkley-among-players-of-the-week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005417/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000990812/article/samson-ebukam-barkley-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Ebukam finished the season with 40 tackles, one interception, and three forced fumbles.<ref name="pfr">{{Cite web |title=Samson Ebukam Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbukSa00.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref> In the Divisional Round against the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded two tackles in a 30–22 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams – January 12th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901120ram.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> In the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, he recorded three tackles and a forced fumble in a tough 26–23 overtime victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints – January 20th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901200nor.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> The Rams made it to Super Bowl LIII where they played the New England Patriots, but lost 3–13. Ebukam recorded four tackles in the Super Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Patriots Win in Lowest-Scoring Super Bowl Ever |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/sports/patriots-super-bowl.html |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
====2019==== In 2019, Ebukam played in 16 games, with five starts. He recorded 48 tackles, four and a half sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 4 passes defensed.<ref name="pfr" />
====2020==== In 2020, Ebukam played in 16 games, starting 14. He tallied 31 tackles, four and a half sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass defensed.<ref name="pfr" /> Two of those sacks came in the second half of a Week 17 game against the Cardinals which was critical for both teams, as the winner would clinch a playoff spot.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 December 2020 |title=Cardinals-Rams Preview: 'I Just Don't Know If The Rams Can Generate Enough Points,' Says CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones |work=CBS Los Angeles |url=https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/12/31/cardinals-rams-preview-john-wolford-kyler-murray-playoffs/ |access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref> Ebukam's first sack came late in the third quarter and resulted in a loss of one yard. His second sack occurred with just under ten minutes left in the fourth quarter on a second and goal play when he tackled quarterback Kyler Murray eight yards behind the line of scrimmage, helping to force an Arizona field goal attempt. The kick was blocked, keeping the score at 18–7 Rams, which ended up as the final result.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – January 3rd, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101030ram.htm |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
In the Rams wild-card round game against the Seattle Seahawks, with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter and Los Angeles leading by ten points, the Rams punted the ball away on a fourth down. However, Ebukam forced returner D. J. Reed to fumble the football, allowing the Rams to keep possession. The Los Angeles offense then scored a touchdown to take a 30–13 lead that proved insurmountable.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – January 9th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101090sea.htm |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> The Rams went on to lose their next game against the Green Bay Packers, ending their season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers – January 16th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101160gnb.htm |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
===San Francisco 49ers=== On March 19, 2021, Ebukam signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2021 |title=49ers Sign DL Samson Ebukam |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-dl-samson-ebukam |access-date=March 19, 2021 |website=49ers.com}}</ref> In the 2021 season, Ebukam had 4.5 sacks, 38 total tackles, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 17 appearances and 11 starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samson Ebukam 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbukSa00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
In the 2022 season, Ebukam had five sacks, 36 total tackles, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 appearances and starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samson Ebukam 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbukSa00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
===Indianapolis Colts=== On March 17, 2023, Ebukam signed a three-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/samson-ebukam-defensive-end-2023-nfl-free-agency-agent-signed|work=Colts.com|title=Colts sign free agent DE Samson Ebukam|accessdate=March 17, 2023|date=March 17, 2023|first=JJ|last=Stankevitz}}</ref> In his first season with the Colts, Ebukam led the team with a career-high 9.5 sacks, and also set career-highs with 57 tackles and three forced fumbles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samson Ebukam 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbukSa00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
On July 29, 2024, it was announced that Ebukam would be out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon.<ref name="x269">{{cite web | last=Alper | first=Josh | title=Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles at Colts camp | website=NBC Sports | date=2024-07-29 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/samson-ebukam-tore-his-achilles-at-colts-camp | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref>
Ebukam returned from his injury and had two sacks, 33 tackles, and one fumble recovery in 14 games in the 2025 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samson Ebukam 2025 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbukSa00/gamelog/2025/ |access-date=2026-03-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
===Atlanta Falcons=== On March 16, 2026, Ebukam signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Falcons sign DE Samson Ebukam|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-sign-de-samson-ebukam|author=McFadden, Will|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=March 16, 2026}}</ref>
==NFL career statistics== {| class="wikitable" ! colspan="2"| Legend |- | '''Bold''' | Career high |}
=== Regular season === {| class= "wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="6"| Tackles ! colspan="5"| Interceptions ! colspan="4"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Cmb !! Solo !! Ast !! TfL !! Sck !! Sfty !! Int !! Yds !! Lng !! TD !! PD !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! TD |- ! 2017 !! LAR | 16 || 2 || 31 || 26 || 5 || 2 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2018 !! LAR | 16 || 14 || 40 || 25 || 15 || 6 || 3.0 || 0 || '''1''' || '''25''' || '''25T''' || 1 || 1 || '''3''' || '''2''' || '''11''' || '''1''' |- ! 2019 !! LAR | 16 || 5 || 48 || 26 || '''22''' || 5 || 4.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || '''4''' || 1 || '''2''' || 0 || 0 |- ! 2020 !! LAR | 16 || 14 || 31 || 18 || 13 || 3 || 4.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2021 !! SF | '''17''' || 11 || 38 || 21 || 17 || 5 || 4.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2022 !! SF | 10 || 10 || 32 || 18 || 14 || 5 || 3.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 |- |- ! 2023 !! IND | '''17''' || '''17''' || '''57''' || '''31''' || 18 || '''11''' || '''9.5''' || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || '''3''' || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2024 !! IND | colspan="17"|''Did not play due to injury'' |- ! 2025 !! IND | 14 || 1 || 33 || 22 || 11 || 5 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbukSa00.htm Career] !! 127 !! 79 !! 314 !! 198 !! 116 !! 43 !! 35.0 !! 0 !! 1 !! 25 !! 25T !! 1 !! 9 !! 11 !! 6 !! 11 !! 1 |}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons}} {{footballstats |nfl=Samson-Ebukam |pfr=E/EbukSa00|yahoo=30238 |espn=3045527|cbs=2818583/samson-ebukam/}} *[https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/players-roster/samson-ebukam/ Atlanta Falcons bio] *[http://www.goeags.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3714 Eastern Washington Eagles bio]
{{Rams2017DraftPicks}} {{Atlanta Falcons roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ebukam, Samson}} Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:American football defensive ends Category:American football outside linebackers Category:David Douglas High School alumni Category:Eastern Washington Eagles football players Category:Players of American football from Lagos Category:Nigerian emigrants to the United States Category:Nigerian players of American football Category:Los Angeles Rams players Category:Players of American football from Portland, Oregon Category:San Francisco 49ers players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:Atlanta Falcons players