Amari Gainer

Amari Gainer (born June 22, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and North Carolina Tar Heels.

Early life Gainer was born on June 22, 2000, and grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. His father was a wide receiver who played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. He attended Lawton Chiles High School where he was a football player, totaling 93 tackles, 24 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and 12 sacks as a senior. He was a top-250 recruit and a four-star prospect, ultimately committing to play college football for Florida State, the school his father had attended.

College career As a true freshman at Florida State in 2018, Gainer suffered a broken foot and redshirted, having appeared in four games during the season. He then was the team leader with 65 tackles in 2020. Gainer recorded 59 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack during the 2021 season, then posted 17 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack in 2022. In his lone year with the Tar Heels, he appeared in all 13 games and posted 27 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks.

Las Vegas Raiders After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Gainer signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. He was also selected by the Arlington Renegades in the fifth round of the 2024 UFL draft on July 17.

On August 25, 2025, Gainer was waived by the Raiders.

New England Patriots On December 17, 2025, Gainer signed with the New England Patriots' practice squad. On February 11, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with New England.

On 30 August 2026, Gainer was released by the New England Patriots to reach the 53-Man roster limit.