Sammy Knight, Chief of Member Relations & Advocacy

As the Chief Member Relations and Advocacy Officer at NSAWMF, mental fitness and wellness are personal priorities. As a former professional athlete, coach, and father of four Division 1 student-athletes, I’ve seen firsthand the critical support athletes need to reach peak performance and lead fulfilling lives.

NSAWMF offers a unique opportunity to provide this support by equipping athletes with the latest resources, innovative tools, and educational opportunities. My goal is to ensure that every athlete has the knowledge and support they need to excel both mentally and physically, to become Eternal Athletes.

Sammy's Story

Sammy is an accomplished NFL veteran with over 12 years of experience as a professional football player, including tenures with the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Giants. His athletic journey began in high school, where he was honored as a Parade All-American Football player. He continued his success at the University of Southern California, playing as a Linebacker and Safety, where he earned recognition on the All-Pac-10 Conference team in his junior and senior years.

Beyond his playing career, Sammy made a successful transition to coaching, mentoring, and motivating athletes at both the NCAA and NFL levels. As a Defensive Back Coach at the University of Southern California, he excelled in driving peak performance through strategic defensive schemes, footwork, and ball skills, with a strong focus on mental preparation and competitive resilience.

In addition to his athletic and coaching achievements, Sammy contributed significantly to sports broadcasting. He served as a commentator and analyst for various media outlets, including as an NFL Playoff Correspondent for Fox Radio. His leadership has earned him multiple accolades, including Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, as well as induction into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and the Riverside Sports Hall of Fame.

As a husband and father of five daughters, four of whom have each gone on to play collegiate sports, Sammy’s personal experience as a parent has furthered his knowledge of the unique needs of athletes, particularly in navigating mental fitness on and off the field. In his role at NSAWMF, Sammy oversees advocacy and engagement programs for student-athletes, coaches, teams, and institutions with a strong commitment to fostering both mental fitness and overall wellness to promote excellence and the development of the “Total Athlete.”