Dadi Nicolas

Dadi L'homme Nicolas (born September 29, 1992) is a Haitian former professional football defensive end. He attended Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, Florida. He played college football at Virginia Tech, and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Early life Nicolas was born on September 29, 1992, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to mother Esperanta Estime. He grew up in Florida and did not begin playing football until his senior year, instead lettering in basketball. During that year, he played for head coach Chris Bean at Atlantic High School and had 70 tackles, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two pass break-ups. He was named to the Honorable mention all-area selection by The Palm Beach Post. He was not highly recruited coming out of high school and enrolled at Virginia Tech on July 6, 2011.

College career Nicolas began his career with the Virginia Tech Hokies by receiving a redshirt designation while training at the defensive end position. He was reinstated to the team on August 30 of that year after the charges were reduced to misdemeanor petty larceny, to which Nicolas plead not guilty. He began his first year of eligibility by receiving the Richard Bullock award for most improved player on the defense in spring practice.

In his final year with Virginia Tech, Nicolas spent the majority of it rehabilitating a hand that was broken during spring training, an injury that he played with in the regular season. In addition, he had jammed fingers in his left hand. His condition lead to him being called "Lobster Boy" by Line Coach Charles Wiley. He finished the season with 45 tackles with seven for loss and 2.5 sacks. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com commented that he had quick pass rush moves that can catch slower players off guard. He also complimented his athletic ability and burst to make up ground when chasing ball carriers. However, he was concerned by his lack of strength and size, noting he would probably not continue on the defensive line in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs Nicolas was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round, 203rd overall, of the 2016 NFL draft. He commented that he would possibly end up on the practice squad as a rookie. He also mentioned he wanted to put on more weight and that he believed he had "great potential" at his new position. The Chiefs believed they could use him at the linebacker position while Justin Houston continued recovery from ACL surgery.

On September 2, 2017, Nicolas was placed on the physically unable to perform list to start the 2017 season due to the injury suffered in January.

Nicolas was traded to the Cleveland Browns on May 2, 2018, in exchange for tight end Randall Telfer. However two days later, the trade was called off and voided without an explanation given from either team. Nicolas was waived by the Chiefs days later.

Seattle Seahawks On May 16, 2018, Nicolas signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He was waived by the Seahawks on June 14.

Washington Redskins Nicolas signed with the Washington Redskins on August 1, 2018. He was waived by the Redskins on September 1.

Indianapolis Colts On May 14, 2019, Nicolas was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. He was waived by Indianapolis on July 24. Nicolas was re-signed by the team on August 2. On August 20, he was waived by the Colts.

Denver Broncos On August 21, 2019, Nicolas was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos. He was waived/injured on August 31, and placed on injured reserve. Nicolas was waived from injured reserve on September 24.

Calgary Stampeders Nicolas signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on April 16, 2020. After the CFL canceled the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicolas chose to opt-out of his contract with the Stampeders on August 26. He re-signed with the Stampeders on February 11, 2021. Nicolas was released by Calgary on July 25.