Sam played tackle on Sheffield Bulldog football teams in the mid 40's during the time of Coach Walton Wright's 25-game winning streak. He was captain of the 1945 team. Upon graduation, he joined the Army and went to Europe as a part of the American Occupational Forces. He was elected captain of the Third Army Football Team which won the European Championship. When Sam returned home after being discharged, he found many Southeastern Conference coaches on his doorstep. He accepted a scholarship from Vanderbilt, but injuries shortened his playing career.