Sam Claphan facts for kids
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| Position: | Tackle/Guard | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | October 10, 1956 Tahlequah, Oklahoma |
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| Died: | November 26, 2001 (aged 45) | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 285 lb (129 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Stilwell (OK) | ||||||||
| College: | Oklahoma | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1979 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Samuel "Sammy" Jack Claphan (October 10, 1956 - November 26, 2001) was a talented American football player. He played as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). Sam was known for his strength and skill on the field.
Contents
Sam Claphan's Football Journey
Growing Up and College Football
Sam Claphan grew up in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He went to Stilwell High School and became an amazing player. In 1974, he was named an All-American, which means he was one of the best high school players in the country.
After high school, Sam was recruited by Coach Barry Switzer. He chose to play college football at the University of Oklahoma. Sam was a key player for the Oklahoma Sooners. He helped them win two National Championships in 1974 and 1975. From 1975 to 1978, he was a starting lineman for the team. Sam was a very big player for his time, standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 295 pounds.
Playing in the NFL
In 1979, Sam Claphan was chosen in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns picked him as the 47th overall player. However, he got injured before the season started and did not make their team.
The next year, in 1980, the San Diego Chargers picked him up. Sam played for the Chargers from 1981 to 1987. He was a starting offensive tackle, which is a very important position. His job was to protect the team's quarterback, Dan Fouts, who later became a Hall of Famer.
Sam Claphan played in the NFL longer than any other lineman from the University of Oklahoma. He retired from football in 1987.
Later Life and Legacy
Sam Claphan was a member of the Cherokee Nation. In 1994, he was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sam Claphan passed away on November 26, 2001, from a heart attack. He is remembered as a strong and dedicated football player.
