LaBryan Ray

LaBryan Ray (born December 5, 1997) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Ray was also a member of the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL).

Early life Ray attended James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama. He was a five-star recruit and received offers from Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

College career In his freshman season, Ray played in only six games due to suffering a foot injury. He recorded five tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, and one sack for the season. In his second year, he played in all 15 games, and started one of them. In 2020, he recorded 39 tackles, which included 5.5 for losses, and 2.5 sacks. He also recorded two pass deflections, and two quarterback hurries. He later suffered a season-ending lower leg injury in a game against South Carolina. He recorded nine tackles, 1.5 of which were for losses, one sack, and one forced fumble on the year. He was redshirted at the end of the season.

Professional career

New England Patriots Ray was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2022. He was waived by New England on August 30, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. Ray signed a reserve/future contract with the Patriots on January 10, 2023. He was waived on February 17.

Philadelphia Stars Ray signed with the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL on May 3, 2023. Ray finished the 2023 USFL season with 10 tackles and 3 sacks through 7 games with 5 starts. He was released from his contract on July 29, to sign with an NFL team.

Carolina Panthers On July 31, 2023, Ray signed with the Carolina Panthers.

On January 8, 2024, the Panthers signed Ray to a one-year contract extension.

On April 21, 2025, Ray re-signed with the Panthers. He began the season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, and was activated for his season debut on October 4.

On March 10, 2026, Ray re-signed with the Panthers. On August 4, he retired from professional football.

Career statistics Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles 2023 CAR 17 1 19 7 12 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 2024 CAR 16 9 41 15 26 2 2 1.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 2025 CAR 13 0 13 7 6 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 46 10 73 29 44 2 2 1.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0

Legal issues On January 11, 2019, Ray refused to leave an establishment located in a shopping center, due to him being intoxicated. He was subsequently arrested, and transferred to the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where he was held on a $500 bond.