Former New York Giants cornerback Sam Beal, 29, has been missing since July 2025, his family announced this week in an emotional public plea for help.
Beal — who was selected by the Giants in the 2018 supplemental draft and played parts of three seasons in the NFL — was last seen after dropping off his girlfriend at her family’s home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Instead of heading to work as planned, he allegedly drove toward Virginia Beach, never arriving, and was later in contact with his girlfriend by phone.
That phone call on July 13, 2025, was the last known contact anyone had with him.
Mystery Around Last Known Movements
According to missing-persons records, Beal borrowed his girlfriend’s car but never appeared for his job. The vehicle was recovered in Virginia Beach by a family member days later. Inside, investigators found his shoes and socks on the front passenger floor and sand in the vehicle, but no sign of Beal himself.
At the time he disappeared, Beal was reportedly carrying only what he was wearing, a pair of slides, and his wallet — which contained his driver’s license and banking card.
Family’s Public Appeal for Answers
On January 12, 2026, Beal’s sister, Essence Zhane, shared a heartfelt post on social media asking the public to help locate her brother. “Tomorrow makes it seven months since we’ve last heard from or seen my brother,” she wrote. “We’ve done everything we could on our end… at this point we’re in desperate need of support on all ends.”
She said the family wasn’t trying to explain why he vanished, but simply wants any information that could lead to answers or closure. “I’m a big sister and I need my brother to know that we love you and miss you,” she added.
Career and Context
Beal played professional football after a successful college career at Western Michigan. During his time with the Giants, injuries and an opt-out during the 2020 COVID season limited his NFL appearances. He was released by the team in 2021.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and both the Kentwood Police Department in Michigan and the Virginia Beach Police Department are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The disappearance has become a troubling mystery for family, friends, fans, and the larger NFL community, as months pass without any confirmed sightings or updates on Beal’s whereabouts.
