JAYSAM FOUNDATION

The JaySam Foundations Mission is to empower youths by cultivating self-esteem through sports programs that build healthy minds, spirits, and bodies.

Jaylen Samuels is an NFL Running Back who is currently a free agent. He played College Football at North Carolina State University.

Jaylen attended and played High School Football at Mallard Creek High School. While there, he played at the safety position. While in high school he received the titles of Mecka 8 Conference Player of the Year, NC 4AA State Championship Game MVP, All Mecklenburg County 1st Team Selection, 2012 & 2013 NC All State Selection, and the Mecklenburg County Record Holder for most Touchdowns in a season (55 Touchdowns).

Throughout his college career at North Carolina State, Jaylen changed positions, being listed as a running back, fullback, wide receiver and tight end. He scored a touchdown in the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl. After his junior season, Samuels was able to participate in the 2016 Independence Bowl against Vanderbilt, where he caught three touchdown passes, the most in Independence Bowl history. Due to his contribution, he was named the MVP of the Independence Bowl. During his senior season, Samuels set the NC State record for career receptions with 201 during his four years. After this season, Samuels was invited to the 2018 Senior Bowl. Following his senior season, he was honored as 1st Team All-Conference as an “All-Purpose” player as well as 3rd Team AP All-American as a tight end. He finished his college career with 1,851 receiving yards, 1,107 rushing yards, and 47 total touchdowns.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Samuels in the fifth round with the 165th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Samuels was the 14th running back drafted in 2018.

Jaylen Samuels earned his first career NFL start in Week 14 (2018 Season) against the Oakland Raiders. The following week against the New England Patriots, Samuels rushed 19 times for 142 yards and caught two passes for 30 yards in a 17–10 win. His 142 rushing yards marked the second most by a rookie in Steelers history.

Overall, Jaylen completed the 2019 season with 175 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 47 receptions for 305 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He completed 2 more seasons with the Steelers before being picked up by the Houston Texans in the middle of the 2021 season.

On October 29, 2021, Samuels was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad. He appeared in 3 games during the season.

On January 19, 2022, Samuels signed a reserve/future contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

Jaylen’s been a Free Agent since the 2022 season.

At our nonprofit organization, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Our mission is to provide access and resources to low-income youths who are interested in sports, helping them develop their skills, build confidence, and achieve their full potential. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where every child feels welcomed and valued, and where they can learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. With our programs, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes, helping them become not only better players, but also better individuals.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

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