In the high-stakes world of professional football, where glory and fame often take center stage, Sam Eguavoen stands out for a different reason – his unwavering dedication to his family and brother. “I play for my brother and family,” he says, a simple yet powerful statement encapsulating his entire approach to the game.

Sam Eguavoen, born in Garland, Texas, to Nigerian parents Esosa and Patience Eguavoen, has a heart-touching story about family ties, cultural heritage, and pursuing one’s aspirations beyond touchdowns and tackles. He has added more names to the list as he moved from Texas Tech to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, then to the Miami Dolphins, and now with the New York Jets. Throughout his journey, an invisible thread has guided him back to the people who matter most – his family and roots.

Is Sam Eguavoen Nigerian?

A unique narrative was raised in the heart of Texas, where family ties are strong, and dreams take root. Samuel Eguavoen was born in Garland on a February morning in 1993 to parents Esosa and Patience Eguavoen. Sam’s athletic career began on the basketball court while growing up in a Nigerian household. He never knew his brave choice to switch to football would permanently alter the course of his life. He was a standout football player at Lakeview Centennial High School, demonstrating that sometimes the best choices are the ones that force us to step outside of our comfort zones.

He started playing for himself and his brother Owen, who has epilepsy. To Sam’s credit, he scored 118 tackles, 4 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his final season at Lakeview Centennial High School, Garland, Texas. This record helped him earn a spot on the District 10-5 A second team and gave a new direction to his passion.

Eguavoen was part of the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2011 to 2014. During his time here, Sam played 12 games in his first year, where he started in five, and recorded 30 tackles. His impressive performance and solid numbers helped him to get recognized on the Big 12 All-Freshman Defense Team.

Where did Sam Eguavoen play before the NFL?

The now Jets LB also played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders before joining the Miami Dolphins. Following the 2017 CFL season, he decided to retire his Roughriders jersey.

He sustained a severe MCL injury during his first season in Canada, ending his 2016 campaign after six games. He played alongside Jeff Knox Jr. the following year but he believed his 2017 performance was just “okay.” His parents, however, encouraged him, saying, “Play as much as you can; no matter what happens, you’ll be alive, and you’ll see another day.” He was thankful for that guidance in 2018 since it stayed with him.

In 2018, the LB’s career took a big turn with some impressive stats: 81 tackles, 10 tackles on special teams, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. His standout performance here caught the eye of ten NFL teams (that’s a huge number), following which he signed with the Dolphins.

In his first season with Miami, the team jumped from a 5-11 record to 10-6, although he mostly played on special teams in 2020. He appeared in all 16 games, racking up nine tackles and one interception.

He realized that “the work never stops,” as his spot in the NFL was always up for grabs. With CFL players eyeing his position, every day brought fresh challenges. In 2019, he showed his true NFL potential by starting six out of 16 games, totaling 42 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one deflected pass, and one fumble recovery. While there might be some good and then some bad days, every win and setback for Sam is backed by his family’s unwavering support.