Former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman is currently on the Washington Commanders practice squad while also pursuing a career in modeling when time provides
Sam Hartman is currently on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad(Image: Getty Images)
Former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman has taken his talents from the gridiron to the fashion runway since leaving South Bend.
Despite achieving no shortage of success with the Fighting Irish, Hartman did not hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. The signal-caller was later provided a career lifeline, however, once the Washington Commanders awarded him with one of the largest deals among undrafted players.
In his first preseason start against the New York Jets, Hartman suffered a shoulder injury that would force him to miss time — prompting the Commanders to release the backup and sign him back onto the practice squad.
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Upon returning to Washington this offseason, Hartman once again attempted to solidify his spot on the active roster. But the 26-year-old struggled mightily in his three preseason starts for the Commanders, completing 25-of-46 passes for 207 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions.
Once again, the Commanders opted to part ways with Hartman before adding him to the practice squad, where he actively presides.
With his NFL future still clouded in doubt, Hartman has started to venture into other industries — namely male modeling.
Sam Hartman attends Ralph Lauren Fragrances
While still at Notre Dame, Hartman was approached with several few and far between modeling opportunities. After falling out of the draft, he even considered pursuing the occupation full-time.
“Now at 21 years of playing football, it’s like the 20 years before that is all literally in preparation to go to try and get your name called,” Hartman said while making an appearance on the ‘Hero Ball’ podcast.
“That doesn’t happen and you’re like, well, shoot, man. Is this modeling thing something that I’m gonna have to pursue here soon?”
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Last year, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Hartman was featured in a digital ad for Ralph Lauren and Macy’s. “We got approached by Polo Ralph Lauren to do a fall catalog with them right at the end of draft prep, kind of when everything was winding down,” he explained. “I’d finished all my local days, the visits.
“And they were like, ‘Hey, we would love for you to come model for us.’ And I’m like, ‘Sure.’ It’s a reputable brand, it’s a cool opportunity. It was in New York. I had no idea what I was doing. I thought you Zoolandered every photo. They’re like, ‘Please don’t do that.’”
While Hartman asserted that his duties with the Commanders are most important, he expressed interest in taking up more modeling when time provides.
Sam Hartman at the US open
“I didn’t really think anything else of it, but it kind of sparked the idea in our agency and myself that there’s gonna be outlets, there’s gonna be avenues, but football is the main thing,” he said. “When you have time, maybe this is something you should consider.”
Thanks to his status as an NFL quarterback, Hartman acknowledged that many opportunities have presented themselves.
“The shield has so much power. When you tell people you’re behind it or you work with it no matter what they have going on, no matter who they are, it opens everyone’s eyes to you,” he said.
“The doors open a little wider than they probably would if I was just, you know, a normal person.”