Sanjay Beach
Sanjay Rajiv Beach is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers. He was also a member of the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe. He played college football for the Colorado State Rams.
Early life
Beach was born at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. His father was born in Jamaica and became a U.S. Air Force sergeant. Beach's mother is from India.He attended Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona, in the United States. As a senior, he received All-state honors at running back. He also practiced track.
He accepted a football scholarship from Colorado State University, from which he graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in communication. As a freshman, he appeared in 7 games as a backup wide receiver, making 8 receptions for 129 yards and 11 kickoff returns for 297 yards
As a sophomore, he appeared in 12 games, registering 37 receptions, 381 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns and 18 kickoff returns for 381 yards.
As a junior, he appeared in 11 games, tallying 18 receptions for 192 yards. He returned 16 kickoffs for 382 yards.
As a senior, he appeared in 12 games, posting 22 receptions for 372yards. He had 23 kickoff returns for 497 yards including a 99-yard touchdown return and received second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a kick returner.
He finished his college career with 85 receptions for 1,074 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, 68 kickoff returns for 1,557 yards and one touchdown return. He also competed in track as a sprinter.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Beach was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1988 NFL draft on April 28. After suffering an ankle injury, he was cut before the start of the season on August 19.New York Jets
On April 11, 1989, he signed as a free agent with the New York Jets. He was released on August 28. On September 6, he was signed to the practice squad, where he spent most of the season. On October 13, he was activated for the sixth game against the New Orleans Saints. Beach became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NFL. On October 17, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad one day later on October 18.San Francisco 49ers (first stint)
On March 21, 1990, he signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 31. He was signed to the practice squad on October 1, where he remained for the rest of the season.In 1991, he appeared in all 16 games as a reserve wide receiver, behind Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Mike Sherrard. He posted 4 receptions for 43 yards, 10 punt returns for 53 yards and 2 kickoff returns for 37 yards.