Samuel Beal, a former cornerback for the New York Giants, has been missing for seven months. Beal’s sudden disappearance has baffled family, friends, and authorities, turning a routine day into an enduring mystery that has captured public attention.
Beal, now 29 years old, was last heard from in mid-July 2025, when he borrowed his girlfriend’s car under seemingly ordinary circumstances. What began as a simple errand spiraled into a missing persons case that spans states and has left investigators piecing together scant clues. His sister, Essence Zhane, has been vocal on social media, pleading for any information that could bring closure to their family’s ordeal.
As the months drag on without a determination, questions linger about what could have happened to this once-promising NFL talent.
With no signs of foul play definitively identified and limited leads, the case remains active in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. As awareness spreads through media reports and social shares, hope persists that someone, somewhere, holds the key to locating him.
Sam Beal’s Football Career
Beal was born and raised in Michigan, where he honed his skills at Western Michigan University as a standout CB. His speed, agility, and defensive instincts caught the eye of scouts, leading to his selection by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft.
During his tenure with the Giants from 2019 to 2021, Beal appeared in nine games, while contributing 27 tackles and one pass deflection to the team’s secondary. However, injuries limited his playing time, leading to his release in 2021.
Post-NFL, Beal transitioned to life outside football, reportedly residing in the Kentwood area of Michigan before the events of July 2025.
Friends and former teammates have described him as dedicated and personable, making his disappearance all the more shocking to those who knew him. While his time in the NFL was brief, this story has certainly touched a number of worried people.
Timeline of Beal’s Disappearance
The events leading to Beal’s disappearance unfolded rapidly over the course of July 12, 2025. Beal dropped off his girlfriend at a family member’s house in Michigan, borrowing her vehicle with the intention of heading to work. Instead, he deviated from his plans and drove to Virginia Beach, VA, which is around 12 hours away.
In a phone call to his girlfriend that evening, Beal mentioned he was in Virginia Beach and planned to return home soon. He had only the clothes on his back, a pair of slides, and his wallet containing his banking card and driver’s license
By July 13, there was no further contact, marking the official start of his missing status.
Authorities later recovered his girlfriend’s vehicle in Virginia Beach, with intriguing clues inside – Beal’s shoes and socks on the front passenger floor, along with traces of sand.
This has fueled speculation about a possible beach-related incident, though no concrete evidence points to drowning or foul play. The case, filed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, remains open, with investigations involving both the Kentwood Police Department in Michigan and the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Beal Family Trying to Find Answers
The emotional toll on Beal’s family is heartbreaking, with his sister emerging as a key voice in the search. In a heartfelt Facebook post on January 13, 2026, Zhane expressed the family’s exhaustion and desperation: “We’ve done everything we could on our end to piece things together and at this point we’re in desperate need of support on all ends.”
Social media has amplified the plea, with shares from news outlets and individuals urging tips to authorities.
As the investigation continues, supporters hope that increased visibility will yield answers, bringing Beal home or providing the closure his loved ones so desperately need.
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