Sam Beal: Ex-NFL player missing for seven months as sister makes desperate plea

The sister of former New York Giants defensive back Sam Beal has issued an emotional public plea for help, revealing that her brother has now been missing for nearly seven months.

Essence Zhane shared the message on Facebook on Monday, urging anyone who may have seen Beal to contact the Kentwood Police Department in Virginia.

“Tomorrow makes it seven months since we’ve last heard from or seen my brother,” she wrote. “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.”

She added that she was not seeking to answer questions about how or why he disappeared, but was simply hoping the post would reach the right people.

“I’m a big sister and I need my brother to know that we love you and miss you, and this has been a heavy feeling for months to carry around,” she wrote.

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Beal was last in contact with loved ones on July 13, 2025. He was reported missing from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He is described as having black hair, brown eyes and a muscular, athletic build.

Last known movements

Authorities say Beal’s girlfriend was the last person to see him. She reportedly said he dropped her off at her family’s home and was supposed to go to work, but instead headed towards Virginia Beach.

The last message she received from him suggested he was going back home.

A description in the missing persons database said Beal did not take any belongings with him apart from the clothes he was wearing, a pair of slides and his wallet, which contained his bank card and driving licence.

His girlfriend’s vehicle was later found in Virginia Beach by one of her family members. The car reportedly contained Beal’s shoes and socks on the front passenger floor, along with sand.

From NFL promise to mystery

Beal was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Western Michigan University before being selected by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft.

He appeared in games for the team and started three during his rookie season in 2019. He later opted out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19.

Before the 2021 season, Beal pleaded guilty to gun-related charges and was placed on probation for one year.

His sister’s plea has now renewed attention on the case, with loved ones hoping that new information could finally bring answers about his whereabouts.