Sam Roberts Bio
Samuel Roberts is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 14, 1998, in Waynesville, Missouri, he played college football for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats before entering the NFL. Roberts was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, and has since played for several teams across the league. He is recognized for a productive college career that included multiple All-MIAA honors and the prestigious Cliff Harris Award.
Early Life and Background
Samuel Roberts was born and raised in Waynesville, Missouri, a small community in the central part of the state. Growing up in Waynesville, he attended Waynesville High School, where he first developed his interest in football and began building the physical foundation that would later define his professional career. His size and strength became evident during his high school years, setting the stage for a move into collegiate athletics.
After completing high school, Roberts committed to Northwest Missouri State University, a program with a strong tradition in NCAA Division II football. The Bearcats provided him with an opportunity to develop his skills as a defensive lineman against quality competition. His time at Northwest Missouri State allowed him to refine his technique and prepare for the next level of the sport.
Path to American Football
Roberts’ path to professional football began in earnest at Northwest Missouri State, where he quickly became a key contributor on the defensive line. Over the course of his college career, he earned First-team All-MIAA honors in 2019 and 2021, along with Second-team All-MIAA recognition in 2020. His consistent play and production drew national attention, particularly during the 2021 season.
That senior campaign proved to be the defining chapter of his college journey. Roberts was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and received the Cliff Harris Award, which is presented to the best small-school defensive player in the country. These accolades helped position him as a legitimate NFL prospect, leading to his selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Sam Roberts Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Roberts was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round, 200th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. He joined a defensive front that had a long tradition of developing interior linemen, and he spent his first two professional seasons working to establish himself within the organization. During this developmental period, Roberts focused on adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
His time with the Patriots allowed him to gain valuable experience, even as he worked to carve out a consistent role on the active roster. The Patriots released Roberts on August 26, 2024, bringing his initial NFL chapter to a close and opening the door to new opportunities elsewhere in the league.
Chicago Bears (2024)
Shortly after his release from New England, Roberts signed with the Chicago Bears’ practice squad on August 29, 2024. The move offered him a fresh start with a new organization looking to add depth along the defensive line. Roberts spent a brief period with Chicago as he worked to demonstrate his value at the professional level.
His tenure with the Bears was short, however, as he was released on October 1, 2024. Despite the limited time in Chicago, the experience added another chapter to his professional resume and kept him in position to pursue further opportunities.
Carolina Panthers (2024–2025)
On November 18, 2024, Roberts was signed to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, providing him with another opportunity to compete at the NFL level. He performed well enough to be promoted to the active roster on December 10, 2024, marking an important step in establishing himself as a reliable depth piece. Roberts continued with the Panthers organization into the following offseason.
Roberts was waived by the Panthers on August 26, 2025, and was subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. This sequence of moves reflected the constant churn of NFL roster management and Roberts’ continued pursuit of a stable role within the league.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025–Present)
On September 5, 2025, the Atlanta Falcons signed Roberts off of the Panthers’ practice squad, giving him another fresh opportunity. The move placed him on a defensive line looking to add experienced depth for the ongoing season. Roberts quickly integrated into the Falcons’ defensive scheme.
His season was interrupted on November 14, when he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury suffered in Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts. The injury brought a halt to his on-field contributions, but his standing within the organization remained intact as he worked toward recovery.
Notable Events and Milestones
Roberts’ most notable milestone came during the 2021 college season, when he was awarded the Cliff Harris Award as the top small-school defensive player in the country. His selection in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft marked his official entry into professional football, and he has since worn the uniforms of the Patriots, Bears, Panthers, and Falcons.
Sam Roberts Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Roberts was raised in Waynesville, Missouri, and attended Waynesville High School, where he first developed his football skills. He went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University, where he starred for the Bearcats.
2025 Season Performance
Roberts began the 2025 season on the Panthers’ practice squad before being claimed by the Atlanta Falcons on September 5, 2025. The midseason move provided him with a fresh start and a chance to contribute on the defensive line in a new environment. He was active for the Falcons through the first portion of the schedule.
His season was cut short on November 14, when he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts. The injury ended his on-field production for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. Roberts’ resilience and ability to navigate multiple organizations within a single season reflected his perseverance in pursuing an NFL career.