Randy Gregory
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Randy Gregory
| image = Randy_Gregory-Spring_ball_2014_2014-03-30_17-38.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Gregory with the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2014
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Linebacker
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|11|23}}
| birth_place = Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 5
| weight_lbs = 242
| high_school = Hamilton Southeastern
(Fishers, Indiana)
| college = Arizona Western (2011–2012)
Nebraska (2013–2014)
| draftyear = 2015
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 60
| pastteams = * Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2015|2021}})
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2022|2023}})
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2023}})
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
| status =
| highlights = * Third-team All-American (2014)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2013, 2014)
| statweek =
| statseason = 2023
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 117
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 22.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 10
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 2
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 1
| pfr = GregRa00
}}
Randy Gregory (born November 23, 1992) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Early life
Gregory was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and moved seven times during childhood.{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Jeff |date=December 27, 2013 |title=Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory is back in Jacksonville, where he was born |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/2013/12/28/nebraska-defensive-end-randy-gregory-back-jacksonville-where-he-was-born/15804378007/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Florida Times-Union}} His father, Ken Gregory, played college football at Northwestern.{{Cite web |last=Merrill |first=Elizabeth |date=December 4, 2018 |title=Cowboys' Randy Gregory: 'I was just in a real bad place' |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/25426510/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-talks-being-real-bad-place |access-date=December 4, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} He attended Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and basketball.
In football, he posted 92 tackles and 17 sacks. Following his senior season, he was ranked as one of the top 15 players in the state of Indiana. In addition to numerous scholarship offers in football, Gregory also drew some interest from Division I basketball teams.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory – Football 2014 |url=https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/season/2014/player/randy-gregory |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=University of Nebraska – Official Athletics Website}}
College career
Gregory committed to Purdue University out of high school, but he was academically ineligible, ultimately being offered by Purdue to either attend Arizona Western College or Iowa Western Community College.{{Cite web |last=Pelissero |first=Tom |date=February 9, 2015 |title=Ex-HSE star Randy Gregory: 'Senioritis' cost me Purdue spot |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/02/09/nfl-draft-diary-nebraskas-randy-gregory-keeps-moving/23123263/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=The Indianapolis Star}} Gregory decided to enroll at Arizona Western. He broke his wrist playing basketball, but became a starter for their football team after showing them what he was capable of. As a freshman in 2011, he had 82 tackles, nine sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. He helped the team reach the NJCAA title game, but it ended in a loss.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory – Football 2013 |url=https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/season/2013/player/randy-gregory |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=University of Nebraska – Official Athletics Website}}
As a sophomore for Arizona Western in 2012, he missed the entire season due to a broken fibula in a practice after their first game. Although he committed to Purdue, the head coach Gregory hoped to play under, Danny Hope, was let go, and he wasn't impressed with how their team played at that time. Meanwhile, as a result of his injury, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was the only college to reach out to Gregory in his sophomore year. He ultimately decided to de-commit from Purdue and attend Nebraska instead.{{Cite web |last=Christopherson |first=Brian |date=October 10, 2013 |title=Gregory quite familiar with Purdue |url=https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/2013/purdue/gregory-quite-familiar-with-purdue/article_c205bd7d-0752-52cb-bed6-ca4f0fa38246.html |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=Lincoln Journal Star}}
As a sophomore for Nebraska in 2013, he started 10-of-13 games, recording 66 tackles (19 for loss), 10.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hurries, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception that he returned for a touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Jeff |date=December 27, 2013 |title=Defensive end Randy Gregory was huge surprise for Nebraska this season |url=http://beta.mirror.augusta.com/sports/college/2013-12-27/defensive-end-randy-gregory-was-huge-surprise-nebraska-season |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319012921/http://beta.mirror.augusta.com/sports/college/2013-12-27/defensive-end-randy-gregory-was-huge-surprise-nebraska-season |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |website=Augusta.com}} His 10.5 sacks led the Big Ten Conference.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2014 |title=Huskers' Pelini: Lots more in store for DE Gregory |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2014/03/14/huskers-pelini-lots-more-in-store-for-de-gregory/6408991/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=USA TODAY|agency=Associated Press}} For his efforts, Gregory was named a 2013 first-team All-Big Ten selection and rewarded with Nebraska's Defensive MVP.{{Cite web |last=Nyatawa |first=Jon |date=December 2, 2013 |title=Abdullah, Gregory, Evans named to All-Big Ten first-team |url=http://sports.omaha.com/2013/12/02/abdullah-named-to-all-big-ten-first-team/#.UyjWH6hdWSo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205075100/http://sports.omaha.com/2013/12/02/abdullah-named-to-all-big-ten-first-team/#.UyjWH6hdWSo |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |website=Omaha.com}}{{Cite web |last=Kaipust |first=Rich |date=October 19, 2013 |title=Nebraska defensive MVP: Randy Gregory |url=http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131019/HUSKERS/131029925/1001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319013508/http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131019/HUSKERS/131029925/1001 |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |website=Omaha.com}}
Sporting News listed Gregory as their preseason number 5 player in college football for 2014.{{cite news|last=Hayes|first=Matt|title=College football's Top 25 players for 2014: Rightfully QB-heavy|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2014-02-20/top-25-players-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston-todd-gurley-braxton-miller-2014/slide/5|access-date=May 1, 2014|newspaper=Sporting News|date=May 1, 2014|archive-date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502003418/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2014-02-20/top-25-players-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston-todd-gurley-braxton-miller-2014/slide/5|url-status=dead}} As a junior, he started 10 out of 11 games, while making 54 tackles (fifth on the team), 10 tackles for loss (third on the team), 7 sacks (led the team), 16 quarterback hurries, one interception, 3 passes defended, one forced fumble and 2 blocked kicks. He had missed their second game that season against Fresno State University with an injury.{{Cite web |last=Anteola |first=Bryant-Jon |date=September 12, 2014 |title=Fresno State football: O-line seeks consistency after up-and-down first two weeks |url=https://www.fresnobee.com/sports/college/mountain-west/fresno-state/bulldogs-football/article19524495.html |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Fresno Bee}}
Gregory decided to forgo his senior season and entered the 2015 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Nebraska DE Gregory declares for NFL draft |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2015/story/_/id/12096836/de-randy-gregory-nebraska-cornhuskers-forgo-senior-season-enter-nfl-draft |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}
= College statistics=
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Class ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="5"| Tackles ! colspan="5"| Interceptions ! colspan="4"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cmb | Solo | Ast | TfL | Sck | Int | Yds | Lng | TD | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2013 | SO
| 13 || 66 || 40 || 26 || 19.0 || 10.5 || 1 || 33 || 33 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2014 | JR
| 11 || 54 || 23 || 31 || 10.0 || 7.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/randy-gregory-1.html Career] | 24 | 120 | 63 | 57 | 29.0 | 17.5 | 2 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 4 7/8
| weight = 235
| dash = 4.64
| ten split = 1.61
| twenty split = 2.71
| shuttle = 4.23
| cone drill = 6.80
| vertical = 36.5
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 5
| bench = 24
| arm span = 34
| hand span = 10
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/randy-gregory/32004752-4578-9590-e57a-049e4cdc3700 |access-date=May 13, 2015 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Draft Scout Randy Gregory College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=108571&DraftYear=2015 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
As early as May 2014, Gregory was projected as a high first round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft by various mock drafts.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24558655/big-ten-acc-prospects-lead-the-way-in-2015-mock-draft |title=2015 NFL mock draft: Big Ten, ACC prospects lead the way |first=Dane |last=Brugler |work=CBS Sports |date=May 11, 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://q.usatoday.com/2014/05/11/2015-nfl-mock-draft-florida-state-qb-jameis-winston-slips-out-of-top-5/ |title=2015 mock draft: Jameis Winston slips out of Top 5 |first=Brent |last=Sobleski |work=USA Today |date=May 11, 2014}}{{cite magazine |url=http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/13/2015-nfl-mock-draft-cedric-ogbuehi/ |title=2015 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Cedric Ogbuehi goes No. 1 overall to Oakland Raiders |first=Chris |last=Burke |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=May 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513183530/http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/13/2015-nfl-mock-draft-cedric-ogbuehi/ |archive-date=May 13, 2014 }} However, after testing positive for marijuana in the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine drug test, he was looked over during the first round of the draft.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory: 'I blame myself' for failed NFL combine drug test |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/randy-gregory-i-blame-myself-for-failed-nfl-combine-drug-test-0ap3000000481581 |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}
=Dallas Cowboys=
==2015==
Gregory fell heavily to the second round, until being selected by the Dallas Cowboys (60th overall).{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/draft.htm |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He became the first player to have played at Arizona Western to get drafted.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Western Players/Alumni |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/arizonawestern/index.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
In 2015, he showed promise in the preseason (three sacks in three games.) However, in the season opener against New York Giants (three quarterback pressures in only 18 snaps), he suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter that forced him to miss the next four games.{{Cite magazine |title=Cowboys DE Randy Gregory (ankle) out 4–6 weeks |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/09/14/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-ankle-injury |access-date=October 4, 2023}} He made his return to the field in Week 7 against the Giants; however, it wasn't until the team's Week 10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that Gregory posted his first professional tackle, making one solo and one assisted tackle in the game. He didn't have a sack during the season, but still managed 16 quarterback pressures (ranked fourth on the team) and one tackle-for-loss.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2016–2017==
On February 19, 2016, Gregory was suspended for the first four games of the season due to violating the league's substance abuse policy.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=February 19, 2016 |title=Randy Gregory suspended 4 games for substance abuse violation |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14808387/randy-gregory-dallas-cowboys-suspended-nfl-four-games-violating-substance-abuse-policy |access-date=February 22, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}} On September 29, Gregory was reported to have failed a second drug test, just after leaving an undisclosed treatment facility earlier that month, and was removed from the team's roster. This caused him an additional 10-game suspension, making him ineligible to return to the Cowboys until December 19.{{Cite web |last=Knoblauch |first=Austin |date=September 29, 2016 |title=Randy Gregory suspended additional 10 games by NFL |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/randy-gregory-suspended-additional-10-games-by-nfl-0ap3000000706032 |access-date=September 29, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=July 26, 2016 |title=Randy Gregory faces longer ban due to another drug policy violation |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/randy-gregory-faces-longer-ban-due-drug-policy/story?id=40894135 |access-date=July 26, 2016 |work=ABC News}}
On November 11, it was reported that Gregory failed a third drug test and was facing a policy-mandated year-long suspension, added on to his on-going 14-game suspension.{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2016 |title=Report: Randy Gregory Failed Another Drug Test |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/report-randy-gregory-fails-another-drug-test/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=CBS – Texas}}{{Cite web |last=Halprin |first=David |date=November 11, 2016 |title=Sources: Randy Gregory Failed A Drug Test, Faces Additional Year-Long Suspension |url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/11/11/13600494/sources-dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-missed-a-drug-test-faces-additional-year-long-suspension |access-date=October 4, 2023 |work=Blogging The Boys}}
Gregory was activated from his consecutive suspensions on December 26, prior to a Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions. His year-long suspension was not in place at the time, so he was able to make his 2016 season debut, while the Cowboys released DE Zach Moore for Gregory.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=December 26, 2016 |title=Cowboys activate Randy Gregory off reserve/exempt list after suspensions |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18352714/dallas-cowboys-activate-de-randy-gregory-play-vs-detroit-lions |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} In the game, he told the coaching staff he was able to play through an oblique strain he suffered in the first quarter,{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Lorenzo |title=Randy Gregory sparks Cowboys, but suspension threat looms |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2016/12/27/randy-gregory-dallas-defense-suspension/95891102/ |access-date=October 4, 2023 |work=USA TODAY}} and went on to post two tackles and one quarterback hurry. With the team suffering multiple injuries along the defensive line, he started in the last game of the season, a 27–13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded his first career sack, as well as one tackle/"stuff" for a 4-yard loss, and a quarterback hurry. In that game, he made the second-most tackles (seven) on the team,{{Cite web |title=Cowboys 13–27 Eagles (Jan 1, 2017) Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/400874647 |access-date=October 5, 2023 |website=ESPN}} only bested by fellow LB Damien Wilson by 1 tackle (eight total.){{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – January 1st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701010phi.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
Despite the possibility that the NFL would delay the appeal hearing for his latest suspension and allow him to play in the postseason, the meeting was held on January 3, 2017. On January 5, the league officially announced that Gregory would be suspended for the 2016–17 NFL postseason, and at least one season, with the reasoning that Gregory allegedly missed a scheduled drug test.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Cowboys DE Gregory suspended for 1 year by NFL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18415182/randy-gregory-dallas-cowboys-suspended-least-one-year-violating-nfl-substance-abuse-policy |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}
==2018==
On July 17, 2018, after missing the entire 2017 season,{{Cite web |last=Drummond |first=K.D. |date=February 5, 2018 |title=Closer Look: Randy Gregory current contract situation for Cowboys |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2018/02/05/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-contract-situation-details-salary-cap-contract-toll-restricted-unrestricted-exclusive-rights/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Cowboys Wire|publisher=USA Today}} Gregory was reinstated by the NFL on a conditional basis. This allowed him to report to training camp and participate in meetings, but he was not permitted to participate in games or practices until he showed a plan to stay clean.{{Cite web |last=Gurzi |first=Randy |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Dallas Cowboys: Randy Gregory's return makes D-Line scary |url=https://nflspinzone.com/2018/07/18/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregorys-return-makes-d-line-scary/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=NFL Spin Zone}}{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Rob |date=July 17, 2018 |title=Randy Gregory Reinstated; Possible Role? |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/randy-gregory-reinstated-possible-role |access-date=October 5, 2023 |website=DallasCowboys.com}} Up until this moment, he was not allowed to have any communication with the Cowboys organization. On July 23, he was fully reinstated and cleared by the league to practice and play in games.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=July 23, 2018 |title=Cowboys' Randy Gregory fully cleared and reinstated |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-randy-gregory-fully-cleared-and-reinstated-0ap3000000941570 |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=NFL.com}} On August 30, he met with the NFL's chief medical director, in what was reported to be a proactive meeting, to discuss his treatment and progress.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Sources: Randy Gregory, NFL medical director met to discuss substance-abuse program |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24526930/randy-gregory-dallas-cowboys-met-league-discuss-substance-abuse-program |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}} On September 9, it was reported by Adam Schefter that Gregory suffered a substance abuse relapse during the month of August.{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Randy Gregory suffered relapse in August, might face discipline from NFL |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24621997/randy-gregory-dallas-cowboys-suffered-relapse-august-face-discipline-nfl |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}} This information came after the Cowboys' season-opener against the Carolina Panthers, in which Gregory suffered a game-ending concussion in the second quarter. However, he went on to play in 14 games that season, making a total of 22 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles with 1 fumble recovery, and 2 total tackles/"stuffs" for a combined loss of 3 yards.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2019==
On February 26, 2019, Gregory was suspended indefinitely by the NFL, for again violating the league's substance abuse policy, as well as reneging on the terms of his conditional reinstatement, from an incident that occurred on New Year's Day 2019.{{Cite web |last=Drummond |first=K.D. |date=February 26, 2019 |title=Randy Gregory suspended indefinitely by NFL |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/26/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-suspension-2019/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Cowboys Wire|publisher=USA Today}} On April 2, the Cowboys extended Gregory's contract through the 2020 season.{{Cite web |last=Brock |first=Todd |date=April 2, 2019 |title=Randy Gregory's contract extended through 2020 despite suspension |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/02/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-contract-extension-indefinite-suspension/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Cowboys Wire|publisher=USA Today}} However, this extension was later blocked due to the terms of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement,{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Ryan |date=August 5, 2020 |title=Cowboys DE Randy Gregory calls out NFL over lack of progress on his reinstatement |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-calls-out-nfl-lack-progress-reinstatement-substance-abuse-violations-jerry-jones-224359621.html |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-AU}} as well as the league ruling that players under suspension cannot be given new contracts.
==2020==
On March 22, 2020, ESPN reported that Gregory filed for reinstatement with the NFL, which gave the NFL 60 days to make a decision.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=March 23, 2020 |title=Source: Cowboys' Gregory files for reinstatement |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28940406/source-cowboys-de-randy-gregory-files-reinstatement |access-date=April 13, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} The Cowboys had lost sack leader Robert Quinn to the Chicago Bears in the off-season and needed a player like Gregory to fill that spot. On September 4, Gregory was conditionally reinstated from suspension, and the Cowboys were given a roster exemption to retain him through the first six games of the season.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Dallas Cowboys' Randy Gregory conditionally reinstated by NFL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29812601/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregor-conditionally-reinstated-nfl |access-date=September 24, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Ochoa |first=R. J. |date=September 5, 2020 |title=The initial Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster has officially been set |url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/9/5/21424353/the-initial-dallas-cowboys-53-man-roster-has-officially-been-set |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Blogging The Boys}} This meant he would not be counted towards the 53-man roster until being cleared in Week 6. On September 8, he signed a one-year extension.{{Cite web |last=Sturchio |first=Dave |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Reinstated, Randy Gregory signs 1-year extension with Cowboys |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/08/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-defensive-end-contract-extension/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Cowboys Wire|publisher=USA Today}} He was activated from the roster exemption on October 20.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=October 20, 2020 |title=Cowboys activate Randy Gregory |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/20/cowboys-activate-randy-gregory/ |access-date=November 1, 2020 |website=NBCSports.com}}
In Week 7, he made his season debut against the Washington Football Team. In Week 12, on November 26 (Thanksgiving), he recorded his first career multi-sack game, with two sacks on quarterback Alex Smith during their 41–16 loss to the Washington Football Team.{{Cite web |title=Washington Football Team at Dallas Cowboys – November 26th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011260dal.htm |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He led the team in sacks for that game. That season, Gregory appeared in 10 games, making plays in 9 of them, registering 21 total tackles (4 for yardage loss, 15 solo), 3.5 sacks (tied for third on the team), 12 quarterback hurries, one pass deflected and three forced fumbles (all three fumbles were from their Week 16 game against the Eagles.) In that game, he also had three tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries/hits, and one pass defended.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – December 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012270dal.htm |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Despite playing only in the second half of the season, he played right defensive end, taking time away from starter Aldon Smith.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2021==
File:Washington at Dallas Photo 130 (51785690542).jpg
Gregory entered the 2021 season as a starting defensive end for the Cowboys. He went on to play in seven games, racking up 5 sacks (tied for team lead with fellow LB Micah Parsons), 10 combined tackles, 3 tackles for loss/"stuffs," 12 quarterback hits, 20 quarterback pressures (led team), 2 forced fumbles and one un-related fumble recovery. However, he suffered a calf injury during practice before Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 11, being expected to miss three games.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=November 11, 2021 |title=Dallas Cowboys DE Randy Gregory placed on IR with calf injury, will miss next three games |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32606732/dallas-cowboys-de-randy-gregory-expected-miss-multiple-weeks-calf-injury |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} His current teammates were thought to fill in his spot, while the staff reported they were not looking for free agents. He was activated on December 11. On December 12, against the Washington Football Team, he recorded a sack, a forced fumble, and his first career interception, on a pass that he both deflected at the line and caught, returning it for 12 yards.{{Cite web|title=Dallas Cowboys at Washington Football Team – December 12th, 2021|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112120was.htm|access-date=December 13, 2021|website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=December 12, 2021 |title=Micah Parsons, Randy Gregory make huge plays to build Cowboys' lead |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32773497/micah-parsons-randy-gregory-make-huge-plays-build-cowboys-lead |access-date=October 5, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} He finished the 2021 season with six sacks, 19 total tackles, one interception, one pass defended, and three forced fumbles, playing in 12 games with 11 starts.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
=Denver Broncos=
==2022==
During free agency, on March 15, 2022, it was reported that Gregory had signed a five-year contract extension with the Cowboys. However, there was a disagreement in the contract language that allowed the Cowboys to claim any bonuses if a player is fined or suspended. This led Gregory to leave Dallas and sign a five-year, $70 million contract with the Denver Broncos on March 18.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=March 15, 2022 |title=Randy Gregory expected to sign with Broncos after nearly agreeing to deal with Cowboys |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/randy-gregory-expected-to-sign-with-broncos-after-agreeing-to-deal-with-cowboys |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Broncos agree to terms with OLB Randy Gregory |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-olb-randy-gregory |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com}}
He suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of their Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and was placed on injured reserve on October 4.{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=October 4, 2022 |title=Broncos sign RB Latavius Murray off Saints' practice squad, place RB Javonte Williams and OLB Randy Gregory on IR |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-rb-latavius-murray-off-saints-practice-squad-place-rb-javonte-willi |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com}} He was eligible to return in their game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 10. However, he was activated on December 17, for their Week 15 game against the Arizona Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=Ben |date=December 17, 2022 |title=Broncos activate OLB Randy Gregory, OL Billy Turner for Week 15 game vs. Cardinals |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-activate-olb-randy-gregory-ol-billy-turner-for-week-15-game-vs-cardinals |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com}} He was to be suspended for one game on December 26, following a post–game fight with Los Angeles Rams guard Oday Aboushi after Denver lost 51–14.{{Cite tweet |user=RapSheet |number=1607452362720907266 |title=#Broncos pass-rusher Randy Gregory and #Rams G Oday Aboushi are suspended one game for punching each other yesterday. The post-game skirmish was one of several ugly scenes in a tough loss.}} However, his suspension was overturned a day later, being reduced to a $50,000 fine for initiating the fight.{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=December 27, 2022 |title=Randy Gregory, Oday Aboushi have suspensions overturned |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35331877/randy-gregory-oday-aboushi-suspensions-overturned?platform=amp |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} Gregory apologized for his actions. He finished the season with two sacks, 12 tackles, and two forced fumbles through six games.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2023==
In his ten games with the Broncos, Gregory recorded a total of three sacks.{{Cite web |title=Randy Gregory 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}} For their Week 4 game of the 2023 season against the Bears, the Broncos decided not to start him for the first time that season. Following their win over the Bears, the Broncos' new head coach, Sean Payton, had noticed that Randy's younger teammates, LB Nik Bonitto (2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in Week 4) and LB Jonathon Cooper (returned Bonitto's forced fumble for a touchdown in the Week 4 game), had been playing more effectively than Gregory as of late, prompting the team to part ways with him.{{Cite web |last=Petersen |first=Will |date=October 4, 2023 |title=Sean Payton explains decision to cut Randy Gregory from Broncos |url=https://denversports.com/2108185/sean-payton-explains-decision-to-cut-randy-gregory-from-broncos/ |access-date=October 5, 2023 |work=Denver Sports}}
=San Francisco 49ers=
On October 6, 2023, despite initial reports that the Broncos intended to release him,{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2023 |title=Stunner: Broncos release edge rusher Randy Gregory |url=https://denversports.com/2108173/stunner-broncos-release-edge-rusher-randy-gregory/ |access-date=October 4, 2023 |work=Denver Sports}} Denver traded Gregory to the San Francisco 49ers, along with their 2024 NFL draft seventh-round pick, in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick.{{Cite web |last=Baca |first=Michael |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Broncos trading OLB Randy Gregory to 49ers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-trading-olb-randy-gregory-to-49ers |access-date=October 6, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Broncos acquire 2024 sixth-round pick from 49ers for OLB Randy Gregory, 2024 seventh-round pick |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-acquire-2024-sixth-round-pick-from-49ers-for-olb-randy-gregory-2024-seve |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=DenverBroncos.com}} Gregory played in Super Bowl LVIII, a 25–22 overtime loss to the Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LVIII – San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 11th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202402110kan.htm |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=
On April 3, 2024, Gregory signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a one-year contract.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Bucs, Randy Gregory Agree to One-Year Deal|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-randy-gregory-agree-one-year-deal-2024|website=Buccaneers.com|date=April 3, 2024|access-date=April 3, 2024}} However, he did not show up for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) or the mandatory June minicamp. He started accumulating fines when he did not show up for training camp. On August 18, the Buccaneers reached an agreement to release him with no pay.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Bucs Release Randy Gregory|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-release-randy-gregory|website=Buccaneers.com|date=August 22, 2024}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| Bold
| Career high |
| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | FF | FR | |
| 2015 | DAL
| 12 || 0 || 11 || 7 || 4 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2016 | DAL
| 2 || 0 || 9 || 8 || 1 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | DAL
| 14 || 1 || 25 || 19 || 6 || 6.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | DAL
| 10 || 0 || 21 || 15 || 6 || 3.5 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 3 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | DAL
| 12 || 11 || 19 || 15 || 4 || 6.0 || 1 || 12 || 12.0 || 12 || 0 || 1 || 3 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | DEN
| 6 || 3 || 12 || 7 || 5 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | 2023 | DEN
| 4 || 3 || 9 || 4 || 5 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| SF
| 1 || 0 || 3 || 3 || 0 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GregRa00.htm Career] | 61 | 18 | 109 | 78 | 31 | 20.5 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 2 |
Personal life
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20140319013509/http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=206288262 Nebraska Cornhuskers bio]
{{Cowboys2015DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gregory, Randy}}
Category:Players of American football from Jacksonville, Florida
Category:American football defensive ends
Category:Arizona Western Matadors football players
Category:Nebraska Cornhuskers football players
Category:Sportspeople from Fishers, Indiana
Category:Dallas Cowboys players
Category:Denver Broncos players