Ali Gaye Bio
Ali Gaye, born on November 29, 1998, in The Gambia, is a Gambian professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 kilograms, Gaye plays as an outside linebacker and has been active in the NFL since 2023. Before turning professional, he played college football for the LSU Tigers, where he earned recognition as one of the top defensive players in the Southeastern Conference.
Gaye’s path to the NFL is notable for the geographic and athletic transitions he made, moving from soccer in his home country to American football in the United States, and progressing from junior college programs to a major SEC program. After going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the Houston Texans before being claimed by the Tennessee Titans, where he has continued to develop as a rotational defender.
Early Life and Background
Ali Gaye was born in The Gambia and later moved to the United States with his family when he was 12 years old. The family settled in Everett, Washington, where Gaye would spend the rest of his formative years. He attended Edmonds Woodway High School, where he played as a linebacker and developed into a stand-out defensive player. He was named All-Wesco 3A/2A in each of his final three high school seasons, establishing himself as a reliable and productive defender in his conference.
Although Gaye was initially a soccer player in his youth, he transitioned to American football in eighth grade at the age of 14. He quickly adapted to the physical demands of the sport and grew into one of the top defensive prospects in his region. As a high school senior, Gaye was rated a three-star recruit and initially signed a letter of intent to play college football at the University of Washington, with plans to grayshirt his freshman season. He held scholarship offers from several major programs, including USC, Arizona, California, and Mississippi. He was ultimately not accepted by the university after failing to meet the school’s SAT requirement, redirecting his recruitment path entirely.
Path to American Football
After his recruitment plans changed, Ali Gaye began his college career at Arizona Western College, a junior college program known for developing NFL-level talent. During his time there, however, the school decided to disband its football program, forcing Gaye to transfer before his sophomore year. He moved on to Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas, where he continued to develop his game and showcase his pass-rushing ability.
At Garden City, Gaye was named to the first team All-Jayhawk League after finishing the season with 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and two blocked kicks. His performance drew attention from several Division I programs, and he ultimately committed to transfer to LSU for his final two seasons of eligibility, choosing the Tigers over offers from Oklahoma and Nebraska. The move to the Southeastern Conference represented a major step up in competition and visibility.
Ali Gaye Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Ali Gaye joined the LSU Tigers and was named a starter at defensive end, where he immediately contributed to the team’s defensive front. In his first game with the Tigers, he recorded three tackles with two tackles for a loss and a sack while also leading the team with three passes defended. His immediate production showed that he could compete at the highest level of college football.
Gaye finished his first LSU season with 32 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and six passes defended. His performance earned him second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors, marking him as one of the top defensive players in the conference. He spent his remaining eligibility at LSU developing his technique and adding size before declaring for the NFL.
Tennessee Titans Era (2024–Present)
Ali Gaye signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. On January 22, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Texans before being waived on August 27 of that year.
Gaye was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans on August 28, 2024, and made the team’s final roster as a rotational outside linebacker for the 2024 season. He made his professional debut on special teams during Week 2 against the New York Jets. His first career sack came against C. J. Stroud during a Week 12 road win against the Houston Texans. Gaye played 15 games during the 2024 season, finishing his rookie year with eight tackles, seven of which were solo stops.
On August 26, 2025, Gaye was waived by the Titans as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. On October 14, 2025, he was promoted to the active roster, returning to the main lineup for the Titans.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ali Gaye is a tall, long outside linebacker whose frame and wingspan allow him to match up well against tight ends and bigger offensive linemen. He has shown the ability to play on the edge as a pass rusher while also contributing in coverage, an increasingly valuable trait in modern NFL defenses. His experience at multiple levels of college football, including the highly competitive SEC, has given him a foundation in both technique and physicality.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Gaye’s early NFL career came in Week 12 of the 2024 season, when he recorded his first career sack against Houston Texans quarterback C. J. Stroud in a road victory. He also debuted as a professional on special teams in Week 2 of that same season against the New York Jets. The 2025 promotion from the practice squad to the active roster marked another step forward in his professional development.
Ali Gaye Career Wins
Ali Gaye’s professional resume is still in its early stages, with the majority of his career wins and recognitions coming from his time in college football. At the college level, he earned first-team All-Jayhawk League honors at Garden City Community College, and later, second-team All-SEC recognition at LSU. These achievements helped him secure an NFL opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
Other Wins & Performances
Gaye’s standout performance in his first LSU game, where he recorded three tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack, and three passes defended, signaled his ability to produce against top-level competition. His Week 12 sack of C. J. Stroud in 2024 remains a career highlight, as does his promotion to the Titans’ active roster during the 2025 season.
Ali Gaye Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ali Gaye was raised in a family that relocated from The Gambia to the United States when he was 12 years old, eventually settling in Everett, Washington. Specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Gaye currently resides in the United States, where he has built his professional football career. Limited public information is available regarding his marital status, spouse, or children, as he tends to keep his personal life private.
2025 Season Performance
Ali Gaye’s 2025 NFL season began with a roster change, as he was waived by the Tennessee Titans on August 26, 2025, as part of the league’s final roster cuts. He was re-signed to the Titans’ practice squad the following day, allowing him to remain within the organization while continuing to develop.
On October 14, 2025, Gaye was promoted back to the active roster, returning to the Titans’ defensive rotation. His role with the team centers on contributing as a rotational outside linebacker, with opportunities to make an impact on special teams and in pass-rushing situations.
Looking ahead, Gaye’s outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season depends on his ability to carve out a consistent role within the Titans’ defensive scheme. Given his size, athleticism, and SEC pedigree, he has the tools to develop into a long-term contributor at the NFL level if he can stay healthy and continue refining his game.