Samaje Perine Bio
Samaje Perine is an American professional football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Known for his record-setting performance in college, Perine currently holds the NCAA FBS record for most rushing yards in a single game with 427 yards, which he achieved in 2014 against Kansas. Throughout his NFL career, he has played for multiple teams including the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos.
Early Life and Background
Samaje Perine was born on September 16, 1995, in Jackson, Alabama. He later moved with his family to Pflugerville, Texas, where he attended Hendrickson High School. At Hendrickson, he was a three-year starter at running back for the Hawks football team, rushing for impressive yardage and touchdowns during his high school career. In addition to football, Perine also participated in track and field, showcasing his athleticism in sprints and jumps.
Perine’s high school performance earned him recognition as a four-star recruit and the No. 13 running back in the nation by Rivals.com. He committed to the University of Oklahoma in March 2013, choosing the Sooners over offers from several other prominent programs, including Alabama and Nebraska.
Path to American Football
Samaje Perine attended the University of Oklahoma from 2014 to 2016, where he played college football. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, rushing for 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2014, which included his record-setting game against Kansas. His remarkable performance earned him accolades such as Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and Second-team All-American honors.
In 2015, Perine continued to excel, finishing the season with 1,349 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. By the end of his college career, he had set the school record for career rushing yards, surpassing the previous record held by Billy Sims. After a successful college career, Perine declared for the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Washington Redskins.
Samaje Perine Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Samaje Perine was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team and made his debut in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite facing competition in the backfield, Perine had several standout performances, including a 100-yard rushing game against the New Orleans Saints. He finished his rookie season with 603 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
The following season, Perine struggled to find consistent playing time and was waived by the Redskins before the start of the 2019 regular season.
Breakthrough (2019-Present)
After being waived by the Redskins, Samaje Perine was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a brief stint with the team before being signed by the Miami Dolphins. Perine returned to the Bengals in 2020, where he began to establish himself as a reliable backup running back. In the 2021 season, he played a crucial role in the Bengals’ playoff run, including a key touchdown reception in the AFC Championship game.
In the 2022 season, Perine continued to contribute to the Bengals, finishing with 394 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos in March 2023, where he had a solid season. After a brief period with the Kansas City Chiefs, Perine returned to the Bengals in 2025 under a new contract.
Notable Works and Milestones
Samaje Perine is best known for his record-setting performance in college and his contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals. He has earned multiple accolades throughout his career, including being named to the All-Big 12 teams and achieving significant rushing statistics in the NFL.
Samaje Perine Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Samaje Perine has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his college years, where he was recognized for his outstanding performances on the field.
Samaje Perine Awards Won
Samaje Perine has achieved notable awards during his football career, including the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and multiple All-Big 12 selections.
Samaje Perine Family
Information regarding Samaje Perine’s family is limited, and no specific details about his parents or siblings are publicly available.
Personal Life
Samaje Perine is known for his physical strength, having once helped lift a car to assist a fellow student. He has a cousin, La’Mical Perine, who also plays in the NFL, and another cousin, Myles Jack, who is an NFL linebacker. His personal life remains relatively private, focusing primarily on his athletic career.
