Former BEA offensive lineman Sam Lee (number 73) will go on to play professional football in the AAF.

A former Blue Earth Area Buccaneer will be continuing his career in professional football.

Sam Lee, a 2012 BEA graduate, has signed a contract with the Alliance Birmingham, one of eight teams which are part of the new Alliance of American Football (AAF). He happened to be one of the first 15 players to sign with the team, and one of the first 100 players who signed on with the AAF.

The new professional football league, which was founded by television and film producer Charlie Ebersol, and former NFL executive and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Polian, is scheduled to begin its first season of competition in 2019. Former NFL stars Troy Polamalu, Justin Tuck and Hines Ward will also hold advisory roles with the new league.

Lee, an offensive lineman, comes to the AAF after enjoying a stellar career at Augustana University, a Division II college located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

As a member of the Augustana Vikings, Lee was a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference first team selection, and was chosen as a second team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association.

Finishing his college career in 2018, the 23-year old Lee most recently participated in rookie mini camps with the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings.

Prior to his collegiate success, Lee starred on the high school gridiron for Blue Earth Area. Under the tutelage of current Buc head coach Randy Kuechenmeister, the 6-foot-4, 307 pounder was an all-conference selection during his junior and senior seasons, and was twice named BEA’s offensive lineman of the year.

Lee looks forward to taking his talents to the next level of competition.

“I’ve been into football ever since I can remember. I’ve learned so many life lessons from the sport and I would like to pass that onto others,” Lee says.