Virginia Beach, January 12, 2026 — Questions are growing online after the sister of former NFL player Sam Beal revealed that he has been missing for nearly seven months. The update has sparked concern across sports and social media communities.
Sam Beal, a former New York Giants cornerback, was last heard from in mid-July 2025. Since then, his family says there has been no contact.
Sam Beal’s Sister Shares Emotional Plea
On Monday, January 12, 2026 (ET), Sam Beal’s elder sister, Essence Zhane, posted a public message on Facebook asking for help in locating her brother.
She shared his identification details, a missing persons report, and information about where he was last seen. In her message, Zhane said the family has been searching for answers for months and is now asking for wider support.
She stressed that the family is not interested in speculation. Instead, they want clarity, information, or closure.
What Happened Before Sam Beal Went Missing?
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Sam Beal was last seen on July 12, 2025, after dropping his girlfriend at her home.
He borrowed her car and was expected to go to work. Instead, investigators believe he drove toward Virginia Beach, where the car was later found abandoned.
Last Known Contact
On July 13, 2025, Beal reportedly called his girlfriend and said he was in Virginia Beach and planned to return home. He never arrived.
That phone call was the last confirmed contact anyone had with him.
The missing persons report states that Beal left without personal belongings other than the clothes he was wearing, a pair of slides, and his wallet containing his driver’s license and bank card.
Sam Beal’s Description
Authorities describe Sam Beal as:
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Height: 6 feet 2 inches
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Weight: Around 185 pounds
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Hair: Black
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Eyes: Brown
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Build: Muscular
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Facial hair: Short beard
No further confirmed sightings have been reported.
Who Is Sam Beal?
Sam Beal was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2018 Supplemental Draft. His NFL career faced several setbacks.
He suffered injuries during training camp, missed time during the 2019 season, and later opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Giants officially waived him.
During his NFL career, Beal recorded 26 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles, while playing as a cornerback.
Family Urges Public to Help
As months pass without new information, Beal’s family is asking anyone with relevant details to contact Virginia Beach missing persons investigators or the Kentwood Police Department in Michigan.
They say even small tips could help move the case forward.
