Ali Gaye

PRO: The Titans acquired Ali Gaye off waivers from the Houston Texans before the start of the 2024 regular season to add versatility and depth to the defensive front seven. The 6-foot-6-inch, 265-pound edge entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and spent his rookie campaign on the Houston Texans' practice squad. He appeared in 15 games for the Titans in 2024. The Gambia native was a three-year starter at Louisiana State and totaled 87 career tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks with the Tigers.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Gaye was born in The Gambia and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 12, settling in Everett, Wash. He began playing American football in eighth grade at the age of 14.
• Gaye was a soccer player when he moved to the United States from Gambia. He stood just 5-foot-5 when he was 12 and had more of a soccer player's body. Trying out for the football team in eighth grade was an "experiment" with the sport. The following year is when Gaye started to grow. He shot up about five inches and put on around 50 pounds his freshman year, eventually measuring in at 6-3, 225 pounds.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Gambia native was originally signed by the Houston Texans as a rookie free agent on May 12, 2023.
• Waived by the Texans on Aug. 29, 2023 and signed to the team's practice squad two days later.
• Signed by the Texans to a future's contract on Jan. 22, 2024.
• Waived by the Texans on Aug. 27, 2024.
• Claimed off waivers by the Titans on Aug. 28, 2024.

COLLEGE:
• Gaye spent three seasons at Louisiana State (2020-22) after transferring from Garden City (Kan.) Community College. Appeared in 27 games with 26 starts for the Tigers and amassed 87 career tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
• As a super senior (2022), was named a team captain. Saw action in 13 games with 12 starts and collected 36 total tackles, six tackle for loss and 2.5 sacks.
• As a senior (2021), started all four games he played and recorded 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Was injured against Kentucky (10/9) and missed the remainder of the season.
• As a junior (2020), earned second-team All-SEC honors from both the SEC Coaches and the Associated Press in 2020 after starting all 10 games at defensive end. Led the Tigers and ranked sixth in the SEC with 9.5 tackles for loss. Posted 32 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Tied for team lead with six passes defensed and led the Tigers with five quarterback hurries. Also had one interception, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
• As a sophomore (2019), attended Garden City Community College and was named to the 2019 All-Jayhawk League First Team. Rated the No. 2 JUCO defensive end in the country after tallying 44 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and two blocked kicks.
• As a freshman (2018), played at Arizona Western Community College where he saw action in 11 games and notched eight tackles. Transferred after Arizona Western dropped its football program at the conclusion of the season.
• Graduated in August 2022 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies from Louisiana State.

PERSONAL:
• Attended Edmonds-Woodway High School in the state of Washington and was a three-time All-Wesco 3A/2A South selection as a prep.
• Participated in 2023 Senior Bowl and the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
• Played basketball and wrestled in middle school, which he credits along with soccer for helping develop his footwork and agility.
• His parents live outside of Seattle, Wash.
• Follow Gaye on X and on Instagram at @unos1_.
• Born Ali Gaye on Nov. 29, 1998 in The Gambia.