Former NFL Cornerback Sam Beal Vanishes Without Trace
Sam Beal, a former cornerback for the New York Giants, has been missing for nearly seven months. People close to him describe the prolonged silence as unbearable. The disappearance has left his family in a state of constant worry and exhaustion.
Family's Emotional Public Appeal
Essence Zhane, Beal's older sister, made a heartfelt public plea for assistance on January 12, 2026. She shared her message on social media platforms, expressing the family's desperation.
"Tomorrow makes it seven months since we last heard from or saw my brother," Zhane wrote in her post. "We have done everything possible on our end to piece things together. At this point, we desperately need support from all directions."
She continued with raw emotion, stating she wasn't there to answer numerous questions about why or how this happened. Zhane emphasized her need for the message to reach the right people to gain some answers or closure.
"I am a big sister, and I need my brother to know we love him and miss him," she added. "This heavy feeling has been with us for months."
Disappearance Timeline and Details
According to a NamUs report cited by TMZ on January 12, 2026, Beal last had contact with loved ones on July 12, 2025. He disappeared from Virginia Beach, Virginia.
His girlfriend told officials she last saw him after he dropped her off at her family's home. Beal borrowed her vehicle and said he planned to go to work. Instead, he drove toward Virginia Beach.
During their final phone call that day, Beal mentioned he was heading back home. The 29-year-old reportedly carried only:
- The clothes he wore
- A pair of slides
- His wallet containing his driver's license and bank card
The vehicle was later found in Virginia Beach. Family members discovered Beal's shoes and socks inside, along with sand on the passenger floor.
Beal's Football Career Background
Sam Beal, now 29 years old, starred at Western Michigan University before the New York Giants selected him in the 2018 supplemental draft. He started three games as a rookie during the 2019 NFL season.
Beal opted out of the 2020 season and left the league in 2021. During his time with the Giants, he recorded:
- 27 tackles
- One pass defended
Ongoing Search Efforts
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Sam Beal's whereabouts to contact local police immediately. For Beal's family, each passing day without answers adds more weight to their search.
The search remains driven by love and urgency. The family continues to chase every possible lead, though all attempts have proven unsuccessful so far.
