Cowboys Draft Pick Turned Hollywood Actor Dies at 76

Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 5:50 am

Former NFL Player and Actor Sam Scarber Dies at 76

Sam Scarber, a former NFL running back who later found success in Hollywood, has died at the age of 76. The news of his passing was announced on social media by Dot Bristow Management, the talent agency representing him.

Scarber's athletic career began at O'Fallon Technical High School. He later attended the University of New Mexico, where he played both basketball and football. During his three seasons with the Lobos' football team, Scarber was a standout, accumulating 1,531 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His performance as a senior in 1970, which included 13 touchdowns, led the Western Athletic Conference and placed him among the top players in the NCAA Division I.

His athletic prowess led to his selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1971 NFL Draft. However, he was waived before the regular season began and never played a regular-season game for the team.

Scarber then played in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos from 1971 to 1973. He later joined the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League in 1974, leading the team in rushing yards. He returned to the NFL in 1975 with the San Diego Chargers, where he played for two seasons, before a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders in 1977. An injury sustained during training forced his retirement.

Following his football career, Scarber transitioned to acting, settling in Los Angeles. His television credits include roles in popular shows such as *Seinfeld*, *Cheers*, *All in the Family*, and *The A-Team*. He also appeared in films like *Against All Odds*, *The Karate Kid*, and *Barbershop*. Scarber was inducted into the University of New Mexico's athletics Hall of Honor in 2018.

BNN's Perspective:

Scarber's story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the resilience of the human spirit. While his NFL career was short-lived, his ability to reinvent himself and find success in a completely different field is admirable. His legacy serves as a reminder that life often presents unexpected opportunities, and the ability to adapt and pursue new passions can lead to fulfilling second acts.

Keywords: Sam Scarber, NFL, Dallas Cowboys, University of New Mexico, Actor, Hollywood, Obituary, Death, Football, Running Back, Seinfeld, Karate Kid, Against All Odds, Edmonton Eskimos, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders

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