LaBryan Ray
LaBryan Ray is an American professional football defensive end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Alabama [Crimson Tide football|Alabama Crimson Tide]. He has been a member of the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Stars.
Early years
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.