He played college football at the University of New Mexico and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (69th overall) of the 1971 NFL draft.
He moved on to play at Northeastern Junior College, before transferring to the University of New Mexico, where the team used a triple-option running offense.
[5] In 1974, he signed with the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League, where he was the starter at running back and their leading rusher with 606 yards (4.4 average).
On "Santa Barbara" Scarber played Zachary Terry, the robber who attacked Eden Capwell and took Alice Jackson, Caroline Wilson and Lionel Lockridge as hostages.
On Hill Street Blues, he played Dr. Otis Redman, an ER doctor who was a former professional American Football player.
After supporting roles in Shocker, Against All Odds, and The Karate Kid, Sam played arm wrestler Harry Boscoe in the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over The Top.