Randy Gregory is best known as an American football player and a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. The footballer has gained notoriety on and off the field for his frequent violations, suspensions, and substance abuse. Prior to being drafted into the NFL, he played college football at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Nebraska State. But there is still more to know about him.
Randy Gregory Biography
Randy Gregory was born on the 23rd of November, 1992 in Jacksonville, Florida. Growing up, he attended Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indiana where he played both Football and Basketball.
According to records, as a junior, he made 17 sacks and 92 tackles. In his senior season, he was rated as one of the top 15 players in the state of Indiana, followed by several scholarship offers for the soon-to-be Dallas Cowboys defensive player. Proving to be a true athlete, he also gained interest in Division 1 Basketball while in High School.
After high school, Randy Gregory moved on to college at the Arizona Western College (2011-2012). In his freshman year, he made 9 sacks and 82 tackles. Sadly, he broke his leg which made him miss the 2012 game season.
The athlete then applied to Purdue University but didn’t get admission because he did not meet the educational eligibility standards of the University, however, he later got entry into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During his first year at Nebraska-Lincoln, he played 10 out of 13 games where he made 10.5 sacks, 64 tackles, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. This earned him the Defensive MVP for the Nebraska title.
Though he was still earning praise and acclaim as a college player, he opted to skip his senior year and game season and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
Randy Gregory Career
Randy Gregory was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys as a defensive end. Though he showed immense potential during the preseason, things when south when he suffered an ankle sprain and had to be exempted from four games. He returned to the field in the 7th week during their game against the New York Giants. However, Randy’s career has not been smooth sailing since then.
On the 19th of February, 2016, after failing the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Randy Gregory was suspended for the season’s first four games. After a few months, the athlete failed another drug test, after which he checked into a treatment facility to get help. He was subsequently given an extra 10 game suspension and removed from the team’s roster.
By November that same year, he was reported to have failed another drug test and was facing a year-long suspension to be added to the previous 14 game suspension he was facing. He was considered unfit to return to the Cowboys till December 2019. The NFL did not only suspend Gregory from the games, they also banned him from contacting any of his Cowboys teammates or coaches. This led to a seemingly bad end for the defender.
He then got a 9-5 job working at the Genesco Sports Enterprises while trying to balance his workouts and therapy but he soon stopped and returned to his impulsive behaviors. His attorney, Daniel Moskowitz, then moved in with him to help the athlete overcome his addiction.
Being the fighter that he is, Gregory got treatment again; this time in California, where marijuana is legal. There he learned to understand and counter his triggers in order to overcome his addiction. He also found a replacement in boxing and meditation. Few months into rehab, Randy Gregory eventually got his act together but did not apply for the NFL reinstatement immediately until he was certain he was ready for it.
His teammates helped put in a good word for his return and on the 17th of July, 2018 after his appeal hearing on the 21st of June, the NFL announced that Randy Gregory was conditionally reinstated.
Height, Weight & Body Statistics
The football player weighs 245 Ibs (111 kg) and his height is recorded to be 6 ft 5 in (1.96m). As an athlete, Randy Gregory is in peak physical condition. His impressive physique is maintained with frequent workouts and the training that is required of him and all other professional NFL players.
Other Facts About Randy Gregory
Much of his personal life isn’t known to the public since he tries to keep his private life away from the curiosity of the media. However, here are five little-known facts about Randy Gregory.
1. He Is In A Long-Term Relationship
Randy and Nancy Rodriguez have been together since 2015. Long terms relationships are not common in the sports world, mostly because athletes can easily get any girl they want. So when relationships like these come around, they should be celebrated.
2. He Is A Father
Randy Gregory has a daughter who was born in the fall of 2016. Her mother is his girlfriend, Nancy, who is a year older than the sports star.
3. Bipolar Disorder
When Randy was in college, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder; which he cited as the primary reason for dependence on drugs, saying his problems are more emotional and mental in nature.
4. Tackling Mental Health Issues
The NFL has stated a desire to begin a program to help tackle the mental health of its players. The athlete, who was initially opposed to the idea, eventually commended the NFL’s efforts to take good measures to ensure the mental health of their players.
5. He Is Clean And Sober
Since his reinstatement in the NFL, Randy Gregory has been sober and off drugs. The athlete received a second chance which very few people get, and he seems to be making the most of the opportunity.
