Wikipedia

Samson Ebukam

Nnamka Samson Ebukam(born May 9, 1995) is aNigerian–Americanprofessionalfootballdefensive endfor theIndianapolis Coltsof theNational Football League(NFL). He playedcollege footballfor theEastern Washington Eaglesand was selected by theLos Angeles Ramsin the fourth round of the2017 NFL draft.

Samson Ebukam
refer to caption
Ebukam with the Rams in 2018
No. 52 –Indianapolis Colts
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born:(1995-05-09)May 9, 1995(age 29)
Lagos,Nigeria
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
High school:David Douglas
(Portland, Oregon)
College:Eastern Washington(2013–2016)
NFL draft:2017/ round: 4 / pick: 125
Career history
Roster status:Injured reserve/designated for return
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:281
Sacks:33.0
Forced fumbles:11
Fumble recoveries:5
Interceptions:1
Defensive touchdowns:2
StatsatPro Football Reference

Early years

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Ebukam was born inOnitsha, Nigeria,and moved to the United States at the age of nine.[1]He attended and graduated fromDavid Douglas High SchoolinPortland, Oregon,in 2013.[2]While there, he playedhigh school footballfor the Scots. As a senior, Ebukam played atdefensive end,tight end,andfullback,earning First Team All-Mount Hood Conference honors as a defensive end, and also earning honorable mention honors as a tight end.[3]

College career

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Coming out of high school, Ebukam received only twoDivision Ischolarship offers. He chose to attendEastern Washington Universityover an offer fromPortland State.[4]

Ebukam played for Eastern Washington as a three-year starter. Over 38 career collegiate starts, Ebukam produced 188tackles,44tackles for losses,and 24sacks.As a senior, he tallied 15 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks, plus three fumble recoveries, two forcedfumbles,eight quarterback hits, and aninterception.[5]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Ebukam was not selected to participate in the 2017NFL Combine,but he did participate in theNFLPA Collegiate Bowl.[6]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft1+7⁄8in
(1.88 m) 		240 lb
(109 kg) 		32+1⁄2in
(0.83 m) 		9+5⁄8in
(0.24 m)		 4.45 s 1.53 s 2.57 s 4.31 s 7.02 s 39 in
(0.99 m)		 10 ft 10 in
(3.30 m)		 24 reps
All values from 2017 EWUPro Day[7][8]

Los Angeles Rams

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Ebukam in 2018

2017

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TheLos Angeles Ramsselected Ebukam in the fourth round with the 125th overall pick of the2017 NFL draft.[9][10]The Rams traded their fourth-round (141st overall) and sixth-round (197th overall) picks in the 2017 NFL Draft to theNew York Jetsand received the fourth round pick (125th overall) used to draft Ebukam.[11]Ebukam was the 17th linebacker drafted in 2017.[12]

External videos
Rams draft Samson Ebukam 125th overall
Samson Ebukam NFL Draft Highlights

On June 20, 2017, the Rams signed Ebukam to a four-year, $3.01 million contract that includes asigning bonusof $613,082.[13]

Throughout training camp, Ebukam competed to be a backup outside linebacker againstMorgan Fox,Ejuan Price,Cory Littleton,andCarlos Thompson.[14]Head coachSean McVaynamed Ebukam a backup outside linebacker to start the regular season, behindRobert QuinnandConnor Barwin.[15]

External videos
Ebukam strip sacks Tom Savage

He made his professional regular season debut in the Rams' season-opener against theIndianapolis Coltsand recorded three solo tackles in their 46–9 victory.[16]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 theHouston Texans.[17]Ebukam made his first career sack on Texans' quarterbackTom Savagefor a seven-yard loss and forced a fumble that was recovered by teammateTyrunn Walkerin the third quarter.[18]On December 3, 2017, Ebukam earned his first career start and collected a season-high five solo tackles in a 32–16 win at theArizona Cardinalsin Week 13.[19]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.[20]

The Los Angeles Rams finished the 2017 season first in theNFC Westwith an 11–5 record and earned a playoff berth.[21]On January 6, 2018, Ebukam appeared in his first career playoff game and made one tackle during the Rams' 26–13 loss against theAtlanta Falconsin theWild Card Round.[22]

2018

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Ebukam entered training camp slated as a starting outside linebacker. Head coach Sean McVay named Ebukam andMatt Longacrethe starting outside linebackers to begin the regular season, alongside inside linebackersMark Barronand Cory Littleton.[23]In Week 11 onMonday Night Football,Ebukam scored two defensive touchdowns off turnovers (one fumble, one interception) and forced another interception in a54–51 winover theKansas City Chiefs,earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.[24][25]Ebukam finished the season with 40 tackles, one interception, and three forced fumbles.[26]In theDivisional Roundagainst theDallas Cowboys,he recorded two tackles in a 30–22 win.[27]In theNFC Championship Gameagainst theNew Orleans Saints,he recorded three tackles and a forced fumble in a tough 26–23 overtime victory.[28]The Rams made it toSuper Bowl LIIIwhere they played theNew England Patriots,but lost 3–13. Ebukam recorded four tackles in the Super Bowl.[29][30]

2019

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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.[26]

2020

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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.[26]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.[31]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 quarterbackKyler Murrayeight 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.[32]

In the Rams wild-card round game against theSeattle 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 returnerD. J. Reedto 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.[33]The Rams went on to lose their next game against theGreen Bay Packers,ending their season.[34]

San Francisco 49ers

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On March 19, 2021, Ebukam signed a two-year contract with theSan Francisco 49ers.[35]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.[36]

In the 2022 season, Ebukam had five sacks, 36 total tackles, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 appearances and starts.[37]

Indianapolis Colts

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On March 17, 2023, Ebukam signed a three-year contract with theIndianapolis Colts.[38]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.[39]

On July 29, 2024, it was announced that Ebukam would be out for the season after suffering atorn Achilles tendon.[40]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions 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
Career 108 73 269 165 104 37 31.5 0 1 25 25T 1 8 11 5 11 1

References

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  1. ^Gold, Johnathan (January 7, 2019)."The odyssey of Samson Ebukam: From Nigeria to the NFL playoffs".ESPN.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  2. ^Arnold, Geoffrey C. (March 15, 2023)."Former local prep star Samson Ebukam signs deal with the Indianapolis Colts: Report".OregonLive.RetrievedOctober 29,2023.
  3. ^"Samson Ebukam – 2016 – Football".Eastern Washington University Athletics.RetrievedOctober 29,2023.
  4. ^Allen, Jim (October 28, 2016)."EWU defensive end Samson Ebukam is a game-changer for the Eagles".Spokesman.com.RetrievedOctober 29,2023.
  5. ^Kruse, Zach (April 9, 2017)."'Sleeper' pass-rushing prospect Samson Ebukam to visit Packers ".Packers Wire.USA Today.RetrievedOctober 29,2023.
  6. ^"NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Players Well Represented in NFL Draft".www.nflpa.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  7. ^"Annual Pro Day Features Six Eagles, Including Kupp".Eastern Washington University Athletics.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  8. ^"Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington, OLB, 2017 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football".draftscout.com.RetrievedJanuary 23,2022.
  9. ^"2017 NFL Draft Listing".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  10. ^"Ebukam and Bourne to Play Saturday in NFLPA Bowl".goeags.com.RetrievedApril 11,2017.
  11. ^McAtee, Joe (April 29, 2017)."2017 NFL Draft Results: Los Angeles Rams Trade Up With New York Jets To Select Eastern Washington LB Samson Ebukam".TurfShowTimes.com.RetrievedMay 7,2017.
  12. ^"2017 NFL Draft Listing".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedMay 17,2023.
  13. ^"Spotrac.com: Samson Ebukam contract".Spotrac.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  14. ^Boner, Tevin (July 5, 2017)."2017 Rams Roster Preview: OLB Morgan Fox Seeking Position Change Boost?".TurfShowTimes.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  15. ^DaSilva, Cameron (September 5, 2017)."Rams release first depth chart of regular season".theramswire.usatoday.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  16. ^"Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams – September 10th, 2017".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  17. ^"Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams – November 12th, 2017".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  18. ^"NFL Game Center: Week 10-2017: Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams".NFL.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  19. ^"NFL Player stats: Samson Ebukam (2017)".NFL.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  20. ^"NFL Player stats: Samson Ebukam (career)".NFL.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  21. ^"2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  22. ^"Wild Card – Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams – January 6th, 2018".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  23. ^DaSilva, Cameron (September 4, 2018)."Rams Week 1 depth chart: Kelly is No. 4 RB, Littleton starting next to Barron".theramswire.usatoday.com.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  24. ^"Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams – November 19th, 2018".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  25. ^Knoblach, Austin (November 21, 2018)."Samson Ebukam, Saquon Barkley among Players of the Week".NFL.com.Archived fromthe originalon November 22, 2018.
  26. ^abc"Samson Ebukam Stats".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  27. ^"Divisional Round – Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams – January 12th, 2019".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  28. ^"NFC Championship – Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints – January 20th, 2019".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  29. ^"Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  30. ^Shpigel, Ben (February 3, 2019)."Patriots Win in Lowest-Scoring Super Bowl Ever".The New York Times.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  31. ^"Cardinals-Rams Preview: 'I Just Don't Know If The Rams Can Generate Enough Points,' Says CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones".CBS Los Angeles.December 31, 2020.RetrievedMarch 29,2021.
  32. ^"Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – January 3rd, 2021".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedMarch 29,2021.
  33. ^"Wild Card – Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – January 9th, 2021".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedMarch 29,2021.
  34. ^"Divisional Round – Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers – January 16th, 2021".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedMarch 29,2021.
  35. ^"49ers Sign DL Samson Ebukam".49ers.com.March 19, 2021.RetrievedMarch 19,2021.
  36. ^"Samson Ebukam 2021 Game Log".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedOctober 29,2023.
  37. ^"Samson Ebukam 2022 Game Log".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedOctober 29,2023.
  38. ^Stankevitz, JJ (March 17, 2023)."Colts sign free agent DE Samson Ebukam".Colts.com.RetrievedMarch 17,2023.
  39. ^"Samson Ebukam 2023 Game Log".Pro-Football-Reference.com.RetrievedAugust 18,2024.
  40. ^Alper, Josh (July 29, 2024)."Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles at Colts camp".NBC Sports.RetrievedAugust 18,2024.
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