Samuel Roberts Bio
Samuel Roberts is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 14, 1998, in Waynesville, Missouri, Roberts played college football for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats from 2016 to 2021. He entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick, 200th overall, selected by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft. Roberts has since played for multiple NFL franchises, including the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers before joining the Atlanta Falcons in September 2025. Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Roberts has established himself as a disruptive defensive presence with notable achievements at both the college and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Samuel Roberts was born on April 14, 1998, in Waynesville, Missouri, where he grew up and attended Waynesville High School. His upbringing in the Missouri Ozarks provided him with the foundation for his future football aspirations. Waynesville, a small city near Fort Leonard Wood, offered Roberts the opportunity to develop his athletic abilities while balancing academic responsibilities. His high school career positioned him as a promising prospect for collegiate football programs seeking talented defensive linemen.
Roberts demonstrated his athletic potential during his high school years, which ultimately earned him a scholarship to continue his football career at the collegiate level. His combination of size, strength, and football instincts made him an attractive recruit for programs seeking defensive line depth. The experience he gained in high school competition prepared him for the challenges of playing at the NCAA Division II level, where he would eventually excel and become one of the most decorated players in Northwest Missouri State history.
Path to Professional Football
Roberts received an opportunity to play for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, a program known for its success at the NCAA Division II level. His transition to collegiate football proved successful as he developed into a dominant defensive tackle over five seasons from 2016 to 2021. Roberts earned recognition for his performance on the field, consistently disrupting opposing offenses and making plays in the backfield. His work ethic and production caught the attention of NFL scouts evaluating prospects from smaller programs.
During his senior season in 2021, Roberts reached the pinnacle of his collegiate career. He was named the Cliff Harris Award winner, recognizing him as the top small college defensive player in the nation. Additionally, he earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors and received First-team All-MIAA recognition for the second time in his career. His consistent excellence throughout his collegiate career, including three All-MIAA selections spanning 2019 through 2021, demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level against quality competition. These accolades positioned Roberts as a legitimate NFL prospect despite coming from a smaller program.
Samuel Roberts Career
New England Patriots Era (2022–2023)
Roberts was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round, 200th overall, during the 2022 NFL Draft. The selection represented the culmination of his journey from a small-town Missouri athlete to a professional football player. Joining the Patriots provided Roberts with the opportunity to learn under experienced coaches and compete against some of the league’s top offensive linemen in daily practices. His rookie season allowed him to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL gameplans while contributing on special teams and in limited defensive snaps.
During his second season with the Patriots in 2023, Roberts continued developing his craft within the team’s defensive scheme. He appeared in games as a rotational player along the defensive line, gaining valuable experience in the Patriots’ system. His time in New England helped establish the foundation for his professional career, exposing him to the disciplined approach and winning culture that has characterized the franchise.
Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers (2024)
Roberts was released by the New England Patriots on August 26, 2024. Following his release, he joined the Chicago Bears practice squad on August 29, 2024. His tenure with the Bears was brief, as he was released on October 1 with an injury settlement. The brief stint allowed Roberts to continue his NFL career while recovering from injury.
On November 18, 2024, Roberts was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad, marking another chapter in his journeyman career. He demonstrated enough promise during his time on the practice squad to earn a promotion to the active roster on December 10, 2024. The opportunity to contribute on an active roster provided Roberts with valuable game experience as he continued developing as a professional. His ability to transition from the practice squad to the active roster highlighted his persistence and football skills.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025–Present)
On September 5, 2025, the Atlanta Falcons signed Roberts off the Carolina Panthers practice squad. The move presented Roberts with an opportunity to join a Falcons team seeking defensive line depth. His addition brought experience and versatility to the Falcons’ defensive front, where he contributed as a rotational player. Roberts adjusted quickly to the Falcons’ defensive scheme and provided quality minutes along the defensive line during the early portion of the 2025 season.
Roberts’ 2025 season with the Falcons was cut short due to injury. He was placed on injured reserve on November 14, 2025, after suffering a knee injury during Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts. The injury ended his first season with the Falcons prematurely. Despite the setback, Roberts’ performance prior to the injury demonstrated his ability to contribute at the NFL level. His resilience in overcoming adversity throughout his career positioned him for future opportunities in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Roberts’ playing style centers on his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks from the interior of the defensive line. His combination of size and power allows him to occupy multiple blockers, freeing linebackers to make plays. Roberts demonstrates good technique in hand usage and leverage, enabling him to create penetration against single blocks. His experience at Northwest Missouri State, where he faced quality competition, prepared him well for the physical demands of the NFL. Roberts’ versatility along the defensive front makes him a valuable asset for defensive coordinators seeking players who can line up in multiple alignment spots.
Notable Events and Milestones
Roberts’ most significant milestone came when he was named the Cliff Harris Award winner in 2021, recognizing him as the nation’s top small college defensive player. The achievement placed him among elite company and validated his development at Northwest Missouri State. His collegiate career also included MIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021, along with multiple All-MIAA selections that demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple seasons. At the professional level, Roberts has shown the ability to earn promotions from practice squads to active rosters, indicating his value to coaching staffs. His journey through multiple NFL teams reflects his determination to establish himself as a professional football player.
Samuel Roberts Career Statistics
Roberts has compiled limited but notable statistics through his first several seasons in the NFL. His career has been marked by contributions primarily as a rotational player along the defensive line, with additional value provided on special teams units. As of the 2025 season, Roberts has appeared in games with multiple NFL franchises, accumulating experience across different defensive systems.
NFL Career Highlights
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2022 through 2025, Roberts has recorded 26 total tackles and 1 sack across regular-season play. His first career sack represented a meaningful achievement in his professional development, demonstrating his ability to reach opposing quarterbacks despite primarily serving in a run-defense role. Roberts’ tackle production reflects his role as a early-down player who contributes against the run and in short-yardage situations. His limited but consistent statistical contributions highlight his value as a depth player capable of providing meaningful snaps when called upon.
College Career Achievements
Roberts’ most impressive statistics came during his collegiate career at Northwest Missouri State. Over five seasons from 2016 to 2021, he established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in Division II football. His performance culminated in a senior season that saw him earn the Cliff Harris Award and MIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors. Roberts’ three All-MIAA selections, including two First-team honors, reflect sustained excellence throughout his college career. His production against quality competition at the Division II level translated directly to his professional opportunities.
| Level | Total Tackles | Sacks | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL | 26 | 1 | 2022–2025 |
Samuel Roberts Family
Family Background
Samuel Roberts was born and raised in Waynesville, Missouri, by his parents in the community. Public information regarding his family background and any potential football lineage is limited. Roberts has maintained a private approach to his personal life, focusing primarily on his football career and professional development. Any details regarding his parents, siblings, or extended family remain private and are not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Roberts resides primarily in the cities where his NFL teams are located during the football season. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. Roberts’ personal life remains largely out of the public eye, as he prioritizes his career development and football performance. Information regarding his marital status, relationships, or children is not publicly available. His focus remains on continuing to develop as a professional football player and earning a sustained role in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant opportunity for Roberts after joining the Atlanta Falcons organization. Signed off the Carolina Panthers practice squad on September 5, 2025, Roberts immediately joined the Falcons’ defensive line rotation. He demonstrated the skills that had earned him promotions throughout his career, providing quality minutes as a backup defensive tackle. His transition to the Falcons’ defensive scheme was smooth, and coaching staff valued his versatility along the defensive front.
Roberts’ season momentum was unfortunately derailed by injury during Week 10 of the 2025 season. He suffered a knee injury during the Falcons’ game against the Indianapolis Colts, which ultimately required him to be placed on injured reserve on November 14, 2025. The injury ended his inaugural season with the Falcons prematurely. Prior to the injury, Roberts had contributed 26 total tackles and 1 sack across his NFL career, with his 2025 contributions being part of that total. The 2025 season provided glimpses of Roberts’ potential to contribute meaningfully when given opportunity, reinforcing his value as a reliable depth player in the NFL.
The outlook for Roberts beyond 2025 remains positive despite the injury setback. His demonstrated ability to earn promotions from practice squads to active rosters indicates that teams value his skill set. Roberts’ resilience in navigating multiple team changes throughout his career suggests he possesses the mental toughness necessary to recover from injury and continue pursuing his NFL career. Future opportunities will depend on his recovery timeline and continued development as a defensive player.