Career Timeline of Samaje Perine: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

How Samaje Perine built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Samaje Perine is a professional American football running back currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Prior to his NFL career, Perine played college football at the University of Oklahoma. He was drafted into the NFL by the Washington Redskins in 2017. Throughout his NFL career, he has also played for the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 2013: Committed to the University of Oklahoma

In March 2013, Samaje Perine committed to play college football at the University of Oklahoma, after being ranked as a four-star recruit.

2014: College Football at Oklahoma

In 2014, Samaje Perine began playing college football for the University of Oklahoma.

2014: Freshman Season at Oklahoma

In 2014, during his freshman season at Oklahoma, Samaje Perine had immediate playing time, including rushing for 77 yards in his first game and setting a single-game rushing record with 427 yards against Kansas. He finished the 2014 season with 1,713 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

2015: 2015 Season

In 2015, Samaje Perine had a strong season with Oklahoma, including 1,349 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and contributing in the passing game with 107 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Oklahoma qualified for the College Football Playoff in the 2015 season, but lost to Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

2016: College Football at Oklahoma

In 2016, Samaje Perine continued playing college football for the University of Oklahoma.

2016: Final Season at Oklahoma

In 2016, Samaje Perine rushed for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns for Oklahoma. After the 2016 season, he decided to enter the 2017 NFL draft.

January 2, 2017: Broke School Rushing Yard Record

On January 2, 2017, Samaje Perine broke the school career rushing yard record at the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Auburn, surpassing Billy Sims with a total of 4,122 yards.

May 11, 2017: Signed with the Washington Redskins

On May 11, 2017, Samaje Perine signed a four-year, $3.05 million contract with the Washington Redskins.

2017: Drafted by Washington Redskins

In 2017, Samaje Perine was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

2017: Touchdown Since 2017

In Week 8 of the 2020 season, against the Tennessee Titans, Perine scored his first touchdown since Week 11 of the 2017 season.

2018: Limited Role with the Redskins

During the 2018 season, Samaje Perine had a limited role with the Washington Redskins, recording eight carries for 32 yards in five games.

September 1, 2019: Claimed by Cincinnati Bengals

On September 1, 2019, Samaje Perine was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals.

December 24, 2019: Signed by Miami Dolphins

On December 24, 2019, Samaje Perine was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Bengals practice squad.

2019: Waived by Redskins

Prior to the 2019 regular season, Samaje Perine was waived by the Washington Redskins on August 31.

April 26, 2020: Waived by Miami Dolphins

On April 26, 2020, Samaje Perine was waived by the Miami Dolphins.

April 28, 2020: Claimed by Bengals

On April 28, 2020, Samaje Perine was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals.

March 24, 2021: Re-signed with Bengals

On March 24, 2021, Samaje Perine re-signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

2021: 2021 Season and Super Bowl Appearance

In the 2021 season, Samaje Perine played as a backup for Joe Mixon. During the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had a 41-yard touchdown reception, contributing to a comeback victory. Perine played in Super Bowl LVI, where the Bengals lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

2022: Backup Role and Starter Opportunity

In the 2022 season, Samaje Perine continued in his backup role to Joe Mixon. When Mixon sustained a concussion during the Week 11 game, Perine filled in as the starter for the following two weeks. He ended the 2022 season with 394 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, a career high 287 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns.