Sam Cowart: Pick #39 in the 1998 NFL Draft

Sam Cowart is a former middle linebacker out of Florida State, selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 39th overall pick (round 2) in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played 100 regular-season games from 1998 to 2005. From 1999 on, he played for the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. He was named to 1 Pro Bowl.

Draft Details

Year

1998

Round

Round 2

Pick

39th overall

Team

Buffalo Bills

Position

MLB

College

Florida State

Sam Cowart Career Stats

1× Pro Bowl selection.
Primary starter for 6 seasons.
Ranks 9th in the 1998 draft class in solo tackles (500).

Career Totals

Games	Solo Tkl	Sacks	Def INT
100	500	12.5	4

Defense

Season	Team	G	Solo	Ast	TFL	Sacks	QB Hits	INT	PD	FF
1999	BUF	16	56	45	6	1	1	0	2	1
2000	BUF	11	55	33	6	5.5	5	2	6	1
2001	BUF	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
2002	NYJ	16	71	36	10	2	2	0	8	0
2003	NYJ	15	57	44	0	2	0	0	4	1
2004	NYJ	5	10	5	0	0	0	0	0	1
2005	MIN	15	54	13	0	2	0	0	2	0
Since 1999		79	303	178	22	12.5	8	2	22	4

G = games with at least one recorded statistic; the career games total in the summary above includes every game played.

Season-by-season detail is available from 1999 on; career totals above cover the full career.

Source: nflverse · Updated Sep 28, 2026

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2	1	GB	Mike Wahle	G	Navy
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