The first USFL player to officially sign with an NFL team is former Tampa Bay Bandits and New Orleans Breakers linebacker, Christian Sam, who’s signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The signing comes after linebacker Devante Bond was moved to the Cowboys’ injury reserve with a knee injury.

The former Arizona State athlete was selected in the 6th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, he’d suffer an injury, landing him on the team’s injured reserve during their Super Bowl season. He was released during the team’s final roster cuts the following year.

Sam held brief stints with the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions, before getting selected by the Tampa Bay Bandits in the 2022 USFL Draft. To the surprise of many, Sam was released by the Bandits on June 7th, following Week 8 of the regular season. He’d sign with the Breakers the same day he was released and played out the rest of the USFL’s season with New Orleans.

Between both USFL teams, Sam ended the season with 57 total tackles (36 solo/ 21 assisted), 8 tackles for loss, 1 interception, a forced fumble, and 4 pass deflections in 9 games.

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