Sam Acho displayed versatility, playing at LB, DE, and DT over his time at Texas from 2007-’10.
As team captain in 2010, he tallied 59 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
Selected in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
After taking over for Joey Porter at OLB, Acho tallied 40 total tackles, 7 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 4 forced fumbles, in 10 starts.
In 2012, Sam had 48 total tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
With a new HC in town, Sam had to again battle his way into the starting job, but broke his fibia during the 3rd game ending his 2013 campaign.
Posted 31 total tackles, a sack, an interception and 3 pass deflections in 2014.
Joined the Chicago Bears in 2015 on a series of one year contracts.
Shared snaps in 2015 pulling in 39 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflections.
Played with Chicago through 2018, stating 25 contests, tallying 140 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Signed with the Bills in 2019 but did not make the squad.
And then later spent the last 8 contests of the season on the Bucs before retiring.
Sam’s moved into the television world where he’s become a color man, sideline reporter and commentator- most notably on UFL broadcasts.
ACCOLADES:
Danny Wuerffel Trophy
William V Campbell Trophy
NOTES:
Well, well, well Sam. Two years ago, I was at a San Antonio Brahmas game, and Sam came walking out of the tunnel right next to my spot. He was friendly and shook my hand. I didn’t have a card of him at the time, so I printed out this Longhorn hack card I did.
During the ’25 season, I packed his cards this time and I was ready to go. He came out of the tunnel and I said hello to him and beckoned him over. When he realized I was going to ask for his autograph, he said he’d get me after he went to the bathroom. He then avoided me the entire game. When I asked him afterwards again, he avoided eye contact and kept it moving as he smirked… so I jokingly told him he went on the longest bathroom break I’d ever seen and that really sucked.
Comparing notes with other fans later who told me that Sam is quite the jerk to fans asking for autographs and the fact the UFL isn’t coming back to SA, I just went ahead and nabbed this nice looking Sage card.
I thought he’d be excited about his custom hack card- but whatever.
CARD: UT Upper Deck 2011 HACK ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Home SENT: 10/17 RECEIVED: 11/10 (24 DAYS)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Aaron Humphrey played DL/LB for the Texas Longhorns from 1996-’99.
Led the Big-12 in sacks in both his junior and senior campaigns.
Over his playing career he started 45 of 48 games, posted 330 career tackles, and 10 forced fumbles.
Finished second on UT’s all-time tackles for loss list with 50, and 8th in sacks with 24.
In perhaps his finest moment for the Burnt Orange playing the season opener against Rutgers in 1997, Aaron dropped back and picked off THREE passes (almost 4) against the Scarlet Knights.
After going undrafted he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000, but did not make the squad.
Played for the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL 2001.
Used all over the field at ILB and DE that season, Humphrey posted 53 total tackles and 3 sacks.
Once the league folded, he was signed by the New York Jets, but was released before the season.
Signed by the Rhein Fire of the NFLE in 2002.
Posted 27 total tackles, 1 forced fumble and 5 pass deflections.
Signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars after his stint in the NFLE, Aaron was on and off the practice squad.
Spent his final three years back in Austin, as a member of the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers from 2004-’06.
Tallied 48 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 5 pass blocks, 8 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and a 6 yard interception for a TD.
Also saw time as a willing receiver, posting 5 receptions for 47 yards and 2 TDs.
ACCOLADES:
Texas MVP and Defensive Player of the Year 1999
NOTES:
Aaron was one of the players that when I got the UT Upper Deck 2011 set I was surprised that he wasn’t included. I thought based on his unique football journey and accomplishments that he’d be a shoe in for it.
That being said the opening allowed for me to slip in with a custom card for him taking down Josh Heupel. The card itself came out perfectly and I was very pleased with the results.
I tracked down Aaron through Facebook surprisingly quick and he responded to me in no time flat. He was very excited to have his own card and to share it with his kids.
Knowing that I was a big fan and also of the Austin Wranglers, he also sent me a signed jersey from his days with the team!
Here is the jersey Aaron said he was going to send me. 🙂
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
