Who is Essence Zhane? What Happened to Former NFL Player Sam Beal Missing for Seven Months

Virginia Beach | January 12, 2026 — Concern is growing after the sister of former NFL player Sam Beal revealed that he has been missing for nearly seven months. The update has sparked worry among football fans and social media users.

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.

Essence Zhane’s Emotional Appeal

On Monday, January 12, 2026, Sam Beal’s elder sister, Essence Zhane, shared a public post on Facebook asking for help in finding her brother.

In her message, she posted official missing person details and documents. She said the family has been searching quietly for months and now needs wider public support.

Zhane made it clear that the family does not want rumours or online theories. She said they only want real information, answers, or closure.

What Happened Before Sam Beal Disappeared

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Sam Beal was last seen on July 12, 2025.

He reportedly dropped his girlfriend at her home and borrowed her car. He was expected to go to work but never arrived.

Investigators believe Beal drove toward Virginia Beach, where the car was later found abandoned.

Last Known Contact

On July 13, 2025, Beal reportedly called his girlfriend. He told her he was in Virginia Beach and planned to return home soon.

That phone call was the last confirmed contact with him.

The missing persons report states that Beal left without extra belongings. He was wearing only his clothes, a pair of slides, and carried his wallet with his driver’s license and bank card.

Sam Beal’s Physical Description

Authorities describe Sam Beal as:

• Height: 6 feet 2 inches

• Weight: Around 185 pounds

• Hair: Black

• Eyes: Brown

• Build: Muscular

• Facial hair: Short beard

No confirmed sightings have been reported since his disappearance.

Who Is Sam Beal?

Sam Beal is a former professional football player. He was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2018 Supplemental Draft.

His NFL career faced multiple challenges. He suffered injuries during training camp, missed games in the 2019 season, and opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.

In 2021, the Giants officially waived him.

During his NFL career, Beal recorded 26 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles, while playing as a defensive back.

Family Asks Public for Help

As months pass with no new updates, Beal’s family is urging anyone with relevant information to contact authorities.

They have asked people to reach out to Virginia Beach missing persons investigators or the Kentwood Police Department in Michigan.

The family says even small details could help move the case forward.