Drew Sample Bio
Drew Sample is an American professional football tight end and fullback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. Throughout his career with the Bengals, Sample has excelled as a blocker and has contributed heavily as both a blocking tight end and fullback.
Early Life and Background
Drew Sample was born on April 16, 1996, in Bellevue, Washington, USA. He attended Newport High School in Bellevue, where he began to develop his skills in football. After high school, he continued his education and football career at the University of Washington, where he played for the Washington Huskies from 2014 to 2018. Sample’s time at Washington helped him hone his abilities as a tight end and fullback, laying the groundwork for his professional career.
Path to American Football
During his college career, Drew Sample caught 46 passes for 487 yards and five touchdowns. His performance in his senior year was particularly notable, as he caught 25 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, earning him an honorable mention on the All-Pac-12 Conference team. This success at the collegiate level set the stage for his entry into the NFL. Sample was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round as the 52nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Drew Sample Career
Early Career (2019-Present)
Drew Sample’s professional career began with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019. He started the season as the third tight end on the depth chart, behind C. J. Uzomah and Tyler Eifert. Sample made his first career catch in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, his rookie season was cut short due to an ankle injury, leading to his placement on injured reserve on December 7, 2019. He finished the season with five catches for 30 yards over nine games and two starts.
Breakthrough (2020-2023)
Sample’s breakthrough came in the 2020 season when he received significantly more playing time due to an injury to Uzomah. He played in all 16 games and started in 13, catching 40 passes for 349 yards and a touchdown during the season. In the 2021 season, he appeared in all 17 games, starting in eight of them, and finished with 11 receptions for 81 yards. Sample played a crucial role in the Bengals’ playoff run to Super Bowl LVI, contributing primarily as a blocking specialist. In the 2022 season, he started the first two games but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. On April 14, 2023, Sample re-signed with the Bengals on a one-year contract and was named the second tight end on the depth chart. He caught two touchdown passes in the 2023 season, marking his first touchdowns in three years, and finished the season with 163 yards and 22 receptions. Sample was recognized for his blocking abilities, being graded as the eighth best blocking tight end in the league during the 2023 NFL season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Drew Sample has established himself as a reliable tight end and fullback for the Cincinnati Bengals. His notable achievements include his contributions to the team’s playoff runs and his performance as a blocker, which has been highly regarded by analysts and fans alike.
Drew Sample Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Drew Sample has not received any major award nominations.
Drew Sample Awards Won
Drew Sample has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Drew Sample Family
Information regarding Drew Sample’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Drew Sample’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
