Cameron Sample Bio
Cameron Sample is an American professional football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tulane Green Wave before entering the NFL and has been an active member of the Cincinnati roster since being drafted in 2021.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 123 kilograms, Sample has developed into a rotational piece on the Bengals’ defensive front. His path from a lightly recruited high school prospect to a fourth-round NFL draft pick reflects steady development through the collegiate ranks.
Early Life and Background
Cameron Sample was born on September 20, 1999, in Snellville, Georgia, in the United States. He grew up in the same community where he would later attend high school, spending his formative years in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Sample attended Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia, where he played high school football and began attracting the attention of college recruiters. Although he was rated as only a two-star recruit coming out of prep school, his physical tools and potential gave him options at the next level.
He originally committed to play college football at Georgia Southern before ultimately choosing to sign with Tulane University. The decision to switch commitments helped set the stage for his development as a defensive lineman.
Path to American Football
Sample’s climb up the football ladder began at Tulane, where he joined the Green Wave program after a late recruiting switch from Georgia Southern. As a freshman, he appeared in 11 games and made three starts, an early sign that the coaching staff viewed him as a contributor rather than a long-term project.
During his sophomore season, Sample became a more regular fixture in the lineup, starting 11 games and recording four sacks. The increased production helped him gain confidence and refine his technique as an edge rusher, positioning him for a larger role in subsequent seasons.
His junior year was slowed by nagging injuries, yet he still played in all 13 of Tulane’s games and tallied 44 total tackles. The willingness to stay on the field despite physical setbacks strengthened his reputation for toughness and durability heading into his senior campaign.
Cameron Sample Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Sample’s early career unfolded entirely within the Tulane Green Wave program, where he steadily increased his responsibilities across four college seasons. Each year brought expanded production, and by the time he reached his senior season, he had become one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the American Athletic Conference.
He finished his senior year with 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors for the 2020 season. That recognition marked the culmination of his college trajectory and significantly boosted his profile ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.
National Football League Breakthrough (2021-2023)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Cameron Sample in the fourth round, 111th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on May 17, 2021, formally beginning his professional career.
Sample spent his first three NFL seasons contributing to Cincinnati’s defensive rotation, working within the Bengals’ defensive front alongside established veterans and younger teammates alike. His role grew as he gained experience, and the Bengals rewarded that development with continued roster investment.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2024-Present)
Sample’s 2024 season was cut short when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, an injury announced on August 5, 2024, that ended his year. The Bengals placed him on the path to recovery, and he worked his way back to full health during the following offseason.
On March 13, 2025, Sample re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, signaling the team’s continued belief in his long-term fit within the defensive scheme. His return added depth and experience to a defensive line aiming to compete in the AFC.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sample’s game is built around edge-setting, leverage, and the ability to collapse the pocket against both the run and the pass. At 6 feet 3 inches and 123 kilograms, he combines the size to anchor against offensive tackles with the quickness to pursue quarterbacks and ball carriers in space.
Notable Events and Milestones
Becoming a fourth-round NFL draft pick in 2021 and earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2020 stand as the clearest markers of Sample’s career to date. Re-signing with the Bengals in March 2025 after recovering from a torn Achilles represented another significant milestone.
Cameron Sample Career Highlights
Cameron Sample’s career achievements include earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition in 2020 and being selected 111th overall in the 2021 NFL draft. He has since settled into the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive rotation as a reliable contributor.
National Football League Highlights
Sample was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft and signed his rookie contract shortly thereafter. He has remained with the Bengals across multiple seasons, including re-signing in March 2025 after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Sample’s standout performance came in his senior season at Tulane, when he produced 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks en route to first-team All-Conference honors.
Cameron Sample Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Cameron Sample’s parents and family background is limited. He grew up in Snellville, Georgia, where he attended Shiloh High School before pursuing football at the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Sample’s personal life, including marital status and children, has not been publicly detailed in verified sources. His residence and off-field activities outside of professional football remain largely private.
2025 Season Performance
Cameron Sample enters the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals after re-signing on March 13, 2025. His return followed a 2024 campaign ended by a torn Achilles tendon, making health and availability central themes for the year ahead.
As an established member of Cincinnati’s defensive line, Sample is expected to provide depth and rotational stability along the edge. The Bengals’ defensive coaching staff will likely lean on his experience as they shape the rotation against a competitive AFC slate.
Sample’s outlook for 2025 centers on regaining his pre-injury form and contributing meaningfully to a defense looking to climb the standings. A productive, healthy season would reinforce his long-term role in Cincinnati.