"It was rigged": Ex-Patriots champion sparks controversy with bold claim about Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory

Former NFL star Asante Samuel is in the middle of a political storm again. The two-time Super Bowl champ ignited a firestorm this week after making a blunt observation about the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Yet again, he proved that his social media posts can be as newsworthy as his playing career once was.Samuel has never shied away from talking politics online. The former New England Patriots cornerback has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement over the past two years. The comments have sparked a new round in that long-simmering feud, provoking strong reactions from supporters and critics across social media.The controversy began when Samuel posted a direct question to his followers on X. “Do you believe the 2024 election was rigged?” Asante Samuel noted on X on May 25. “I most certainly do.”The statement immediately gained traction. Some users praised the former NFL star for speaking his mind, while others challenged the claim and pointed out that no evidence was provided to support it. The discussion quickly expanded beyond sports circles and into broader political conversations.This is far from the first time Samuel has publicly weighed in on political issues. Since the 2024 election cycle, he has become one of the NFL's most outspoken retired players on social media. Earlier this year, he mocked Trump supporters with a viral post that read, “If Trump told you there was a (sic) NFL game tomorrow, you would believe it.”His political commentary has often generated strong reactions because of his willingness to criticize public figures and fan bases alike. Samuel appears comfortable embracing controversy, even when it invites backlash.Samuel also recently joined the conversation surrounding New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart after the young signal-caller appeared at a political event supporting Rep. Mike Lawler.The former Patriots defender responded with a satirical exchange imagining a conversation inside Trump's team:“Trump: Who have we got coming today? DOJ: The best we could get is Jaxson Dart,” he posted on X. “Trump: Who? DOJ: He is the starting QB for the Giants. Trump: What’s something good I can say about him? DOJ: Not sure yet. Trump: F–k it… I’ll think of something. Is he on track to be a Hall of Famer? DOJ: No, President Trump, he was a rookie last season.”Samuel later added another joke involving former Giants quarterback Eli Manning. When a fan commented, “I miss Eli,” Samuel replied, “Many people would say I was his favorite receiver.”The remark referenced the infamous dropped interception in Super Bowl XLII, a play that helped set up one of the most memorable moments in NFL history. Years after retirement, Samuel continues to make headlines, though now his comments off the field are often creating the biggest conversations.