Sam Scarber


Sam Willis Scarber is a former American football fullback in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at the University of New Mexico and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1971 NFL Draft.

Early years

Scarber was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended John O'Fallon Technical High School. He moved on to play at Northeastern Junior College, before transferring to the University of New Mexico, where the team used a triple-option running offense.
In 1968, he registered the school's second longest pass play against the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1969, he was the team's leading rusher and had a school record 38 carries against Kansas University.
In 1970, the team led the nation averaging 350 rushing yards per game and he was the conference's leading rusher. He set season school records in scoring, touchdowns and received All-WAC honors.
He finished his college career as the school's second all-time career rusher behind Don Perkins. He also practiced basketball.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Scarber was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1971 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 31.

Los Angeles Rams

He signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent on September 2 1971. He was waived on September 16.

Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)

The Edmonton Eskimos signed him before the start of their training camp in 1972. He was limited physically during the season, after separating both shoulders in different incidents. He was waived on July 27, 1973.

Detroit Wheels (WFL)

In 1974, he signed with the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League, where he was the starter at running back and their leading rusher with 606 yards. The Wheels were the first WFL franchise to fold in 1974. The league held a dispersal draft for their players and he was selected by the Southern California Sun.

San Diego Chargers

On June 20, 1975, the San Diego Chargers signed him to serve as a backup running back. He was waived on August 29, 1977.

Oakland Raiders

In 1978, he was signed by the Oakland Raiders. He was released on August 16.

Acting career

Television appearances

On Cheers, Scarber played the role of Lewis, one of Cliff's co-workers at the post office.
On "Santa Barbara" Scarber played Zachary Terry, the robber who attacked Eden Capwell and took Alice Jackson, Caroline Wilson and Lionel Lockridge as hostages.

Film appearances

After supporting roles in Against All Odds and The Karate Kid, Sam played arm wrestler Harry Boscoe in the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over The Top. He has since appeared in small roles in many television shows and movies.