Samuel Cosmi Bio
Samuel Cosmi is an American professional football guard for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 16, 1999, in Humble, Texas, Cosmi has established himself as a durable and talented offensive lineman since being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he earned All-American honors before beginning his professional career with the organization that would later become the Washington Commanders.
Early Life and Background
Cosmi grew up in Humble, Texas, where his parents, who immigrated from Romania to the United States in the early 1980s, raised him. His family background provided the foundation for his work ethic and determination that would later define his football career. Cosmi attended Atascocita High School in Harris County, Texas, where he began to showcase his considerable athletic potential on the football field.
During his senior year at Atascocita High School, Cosmi was named first-team All-District 21-6A and second-team 6A All-State. His performance as a high school player attracted attention from multiple college programs. Rated as a three-star recruit, Cosmi initially committed to play college football at the University of Houston over offers from TCU and Memphis. However, after Houston hired Tom Herman as their head coach, Cosmi flipped his commitment and chose to continue his football journey at the University of Texas.
Path to American Football
Cosmi redshirted his freshman season at the University of Texas, using that year to adjust to the collegiate level and develop his skills. He returned for his redshirt freshman year and played in all 14 of Texas’s games, starting the final 13 contests at right tackle. His performance earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition from the coaches. That season, Cosmi helped the Longhorns reach the 2018 Big 12 Championship game and contributed to their upset victory over Georgia in the 2019 Sugar Bowl.
As a redshirt sophomore, Cosmi started all 13 games and earned second-team All-Big 12 Conference honors. He was also recognized as an Offensive Lineman of the Year honorable mention. One of the most memorable moments of his college career came in a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers when he caught a lateral pitched to him by quarterback Sam Ehlinger and ran 12 yards for a touchdown. This play set the record for the longest touchdown run by an offensive lineman in Big 12 history. That season, he helped Texas win the Alamo Bowl and finish ranked in the top 25.
Before his redshirt junior season, Cosmi considered entering the 2020 NFL Draft but ultimately decided to return to Texas for one more year. He was named a team captain in 2020 and started the first eight games of the COVID-19 shortened season before opting out of the remainder of Texas’s games to prepare for the NFL Draft. His dominant play earned him unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection, second-team Academic All-Big 12, and third-team AP All-American honors.
Samuel Cosmi Career
Early Career (2021–2021)
Cosmi was selected by the Washington Football Team in the second round (51st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021. During training camp, Cosmi was named the starting right tackle and made his professional debut in the opening game of the 2021 season. In the second quarter of Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, he suffered an ankle injury that forced him to leave the game.
Cosmi missed the next four games before returning to action against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11. However, he left that game early with a hip injury and was placed on injured reserve on November 29, 2021. He was reactivated to the active roster on December 20 and finished out the season, though he also missed the Week 17 game against Philadelphia due to COVID-19 protocols. Cosmi played in nine total games during his rookie year, starting all nine contests.
2022 Breakthrough (2022)
The 2022 season saw Cosmi face new challenges and opportunities. He underwent thumb surgery following Week 4 of the season. After missing three games, Cosmi returned in Week 8 but played in a reserve role as the coaching staff chose to stick with Cornelius Lucas as the starting right tackle. In Week 13 against the New York Giants, Cosmi started at right guard before leaving in the third quarter with an ankle injury.
Despite the injuries, Cosmi finished the season playing in 14 games and starting 6 of them. He logged more than half of the team’s offensive snaps throughout the season, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute even when not in the starting lineup. This versatility proved valuable as he adjusted to the demands of professional football.
Washington Commanders Era (2023–Present)
Cosmi remained at right guard for the 2023 season and experienced his most consistent professional campaign up to that point. He managed to stay healthy throughout the entire season, starting all 17 games and playing in nearly 100 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. This durability and reliability marked a significant step forward in his development as a professional player.
On September 4, 2024, Cosmi signed a four-year contract extension worth $74 million with $45 million guaranteed, securing his long-term future with the organization. This contract reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities and his importance to the offensive line. Cosmi again stayed healthy through the 2024 regular season, starting at right guard for all 17 games.
However, the 2024 season ended on a disappointing note when Cosmi left in the first half of the Divisional Round game against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury. It was confirmed the following day that Cosmi had torn his ACL and would be out for the remainder of the 2024-25 playoffs. He underwent surgery in early February 2025, beginning his rehabilitation process.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cosmi’s physical attributes make him an imposing presence on the offensive line. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 309 pounds, he has the size and length to neutralize defensive ends and interior pass rushers. His athleticism allows him to move well in space, as demonstrated by his rare ability to make plays in the open field. His college tape showed a player with good footwork and the ability to mirror pass rushers, while his strength helps him anchor against power rushers in the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Cosmi has achieved several notable milestones. His 12-yard touchdown run as an offensive lineman during his college career remains the longest such play in Big 12 Conference history. The signing of his $74 million contract extension in September 2024 marked a significant financial milestone and validation of his progression in the NFL. His consistent durability in 2023 and 2024, playing nearly every offensive snap in both seasons, demonstrated his reliability until the ACL injury in the 2024 playoffs.
Samuel Cosmi Career Statistics
Cosmi has appeared in 66 games throughout his NFL career, starting 58 of them. His most productive seasons came in 2023 and 2024 when he started all 17 games at right guard. After a challenging rookie season hampered by injuries and a rotational role in 2022, Cosmi established himself as a reliable starter on Washington’s offensive line.
College Highlights
At Texas, Cosmi earned Third-team All-American honors and First-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2020. He was a key contributor to Texas teams that won the 2019 Sugar Bowl and the 2019 Alamo Bowl, helping the Longhorns achieve top-25 rankings. His performance against top competition, including standout games in signature bowl victories, helped elevate his draft stock.
Professional Career Highlights
In the NFL, Cosmi’s career highlights include his consistent starting role at right guard since 2023 and his lucrative contract extension. His ability to stay on the field and perform at a high level in back-to-back seasons before his injury-plagued end to 2024 demonstrated his value to the Washington Commanders organization.
| Competition | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (Washington Commanders) | 66 | 58 |
Samuel Cosmi Family
Family Background and Heritage
Cosmi comes from a family with immigrant roots. His parents immigrated from Romania to the United States in the early 1980s, establishing their family in Texas before Samuel was born. This heritage has been an important part of his identity throughout his life. Cosmi is a Christian and has spoken about the role his faith plays in his life and career.
Personal Life
Cosmi married his wife Blair in March 2023. The couple met while both attending the University of Texas at Austin, where their relationship began during Cosmi’s playing days with the Longhorns. Together, they have expanded their family with two children: a daughter born in 2024 and a son born in 2025. Cosmi balances his professional football career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Cosmi as he worked his way back from the ACL surgery he underwent in early February. On July 23, 2025, the Commanders placed Cosmi on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp. He remained on the reserve/PUP list at the beginning of the regular season as he continued his rehabilitation and worked toward full clearance.
Cosmi was activated from the PUP list on October 18, 2025, ahead of Washington’s Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. His return to the field marked the culmination of months of hard work following his knee surgery. However, the 2025 season would not be kind to Cosmi as he battled through various setbacks.
On December 22, 2025, the Commanders placed Cosmi on season-ending injured reserve due to a concussion. This injury brought an abrupt end to his season and added to the adversity he faced throughout the year. Despite the challenges, Cosmi demonstrated resilience by returning from his ACL surgery earlier in the season, only to face this new obstacle. The 2025 campaign served as a reminder of the physical toll professional football takes on athletes, but also showcased Cosmi’s determination to return to the field whenever possible.