The running back who out-squatted his own team's linemen
In short: Samaje Perine is known for a staggering 427-yard rushing performance that shattered NCAA records. But before he was an NFL mainstay, he was a high school and college standout whose raw physical power was so extreme that he could out-bench most of his own team's offensive linemen.
Perine’s athletic profile is defined by elite explosive power. While at the University of Oklahoma, strength coach Jerry Schmidt noted that Perine possessed unique physical capabilities for a running back. He recorded a maximum squat of 540 lbs—a number no one else on the team could top—alongside a 380-lb power clean and a 315-lb incline bench press. His raw strength was even notable enough that he was frequently cited for helping lift cars to assist students with flat tires.
This physical foundation translated into historic production early in his career. In 2014, as a true freshman at Oklahoma, Perine rushed for 427 yards against Kansas. This single-game performance broke the Football Bowl Subdivision record previously held by Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon. By the end of that same season, he had amassed 1,713 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He eventually surpassed Billy Sims to set the school career rushing record on January 2, 2017, finishing with a total of 4,122 yards.
Perine's professional journey has been characterized by versatility across multiple franchises, including the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs. While he often served in backup roles, his impact was felt in high-leverage moments, such as a crucial 41-yard touchdown reception during the Bengals' AFC Championship run to the Super Bowl. His career highlights include being a three-year starter at Hendrickson High School and maintaining a steady presence in the NFL through multiple contract stints and various roles.
His ability to adapt from a primary rusher to a reliable receiving threat is evident in his 2023 season with the Broncos, where he recorded 455 receiving yards. This evolution reflects the modern NFL's demand for multi-dimensional backs who can utilize their explosive power in both the ground and air games.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Samaje Perine
- Also: Wikidata — Samaje Perine · CC0
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