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==High school==
==High school==
Ealy attended [[New Madrid County Central]] in [[New Madrid, Missouri]], where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and [[Track and field|track]]. In [[high school football|football]], he notched 89 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, and 10.5 quarterback sacks while adding 21 quarterback hurries in his junior season; on offense, he caught 22 passes for 501 yards and 3 [[touchdowns]]. He was a first-team All-state, All-conference, All-region and All-district selection as a senior, after he amassed 104 total [[Tackle (football move)|tackles]], 28 tackles for loss, 12.5 [[Quarterback sack|sacks]], 31 quarterback pressures, 5 forced fumbles, 7 pass break ups, 4 blocked kicks. He was also a standout in [[high school basketball|basketball]], where he earned All-state, and numerous All-district, All-region and All-conference honors.<ref>[http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kony_ealy_690205.html] {{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref>
Ealy attended [[New Madrid County Central]] in [[New Madrid, Missouri]], where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and [[Track and field|track]]. In [[high school football|football]], he notched 89 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, and 10.5 quarterback sacks while adding 21 quarterback hurries in his junior season; on offense, he caught 22 passes for 501 yards and 3 [[touchdowns]]. He was a first-team All-state, All-conference, All-region and All-district selection as a senior, after he amassed 104 total [[Tackle (football move)|tackles]], 28 tackles for loss, 12.5 [[Quarterback sack|sacks]], 31 quarterback pressures, 5 forced fumbles, 7 pass break ups, 4 blocked kicks. He was also a standout in [[high school basketball|basketball]], where he earned All-state, and numerous All-district, All-region and All-conference honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kony_ealy_690205.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-01-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015112545/http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kony_ealy_690205.html |archivedate=2013-10-15 |df= }} </ref>


Considered a four-star recruit by ''[[Rivals.com]]'', Ealy was rated as the 11th best [[Defensive end|weakside defensive end]] prospect of his class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-grant-2.html |title=Ryan Grant Stats &#124; College Football at |website=Sports-reference.com |date=1970-01-01 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref>
Considered a four-star recruit by ''[[Rivals.com]]'', Ealy was rated as the 11th best [[Defensive end|weakside defensive end]] prospect of his class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-grant-2.html |title=Ryan Grant Stats &#124; College Football at |website=Sports-reference.com |date=1970-01-01 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref>
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==Professional career==
==Professional career==
As a sophomore the year before, Ealy was given a third round grade by the [[NFL Draft Advisory Board]], which is typically conservative when projecting the draft positions of underclassmen.<ref>{{cite web|last=Latsch |first=Nate |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/ealy-s-strong-season-for-tigers-draws-notice-from-opponents-nfl-scouts-123113 |title=Kony Ealy's strong season for Missouri Tigers draws notice from opponents, NFL scouts |publisher=FOX Sports |date=2013-12-31 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref>[http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2009/04/28/asher-allen-ignored-nfl-projection/ ]{{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref> Following his breakout junior campaign, Ealy was a projected first round pick by numerous outlets, including the Panthers General Manager [[Dave Gettleman]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/60th-pick-nfl-draft-panthers-select-kony-ealy/ |title=Panthers' 2nd-Round Pick: Missouri DE Kony Ealy |website=Blackandbluereview.com |date=2014-05-09 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> with some projecting him as a potential top 10 selection.<ref name="nfldraftscout1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=107040&draftyear=2014&genpos=DE |title=*Kony Ealy &#124; Missouri, DE : 2014 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |website=Nfldraftscout.com |date=2006-09-21 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref name="cbssports1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737527/kony-ealy |title=Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com |website=CBSSports.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Joseph Zucker |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1910703-kony-ealy-officially-announces-he-will-enter-2014-nfl-draft |title=Kony Ealy Officially Announces He Will Enter 2014 NFL Draft |publisher=[[Bleacher Report]] |date=2014-01-04 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> His combination of length, athleticism, and versatility drew comparisons to players including [[Robert Quinn (American football)|Robert Quinn]], [[Michael Bennett (defensive lineman, born 1985)|Michael Bennett]], and [[Chandler Jones]].<ref name="cbssports1"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Dinkins |first=Chad |url=http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/02/03/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kony-ealy-de-missouri/ |title=2014 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Kony Ealy, DE Missouri |website=Withthefirstpick.com |date=2014-02-03 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> [[Dallas Cowboys]] executive vice president [[Stephen Jones (Dallas Cowboys)|Stephen Jones]] noted after the [[2014 NFL Draft]] that had the Cowboys not traded the number 47 overall selection in a deal to move up to select Boise State defensive end [[DeMarcus Lawrence]], they would have used that pick to draft Ealy, whom they regarded as an immediate starter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000350323/article/cowboys-vp-we-likely-would-have-drafted-ealy-absent-trade |title=Cowboys VP: We likely would have drafted Ealy absent trade |website=NFL.com |date=2014-05-14 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref>
As a sophomore the year before, Ealy was given a third round grade by the [[NFL Draft Advisory Board]], which is typically conservative when projecting the draft positions of underclassmen.<ref>{{cite web|last=Latsch |first=Nate |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/ealy-s-strong-season-for-tigers-draws-notice-from-opponents-nfl-scouts-123113 |title=Kony Ealy's strong season for Missouri Tigers draws notice from opponents, NFL scouts |publisher=FOX Sports |date=2013-12-31 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2009/04/28/asher-allen-ignored-nfl-projection/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-09-06 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907034520/http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2009/04/28/asher-allen-ignored-nfl-projection/ |archivedate=2014-09-07 |df= }}</ref> Following his breakout junior campaign, Ealy was a projected first round pick by numerous outlets, including the Panthers General Manager [[Dave Gettleman]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/60th-pick-nfl-draft-panthers-select-kony-ealy/ |title=Panthers' 2nd-Round Pick: Missouri DE Kony Ealy |website=Blackandbluereview.com |date=2014-05-09 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> with some projecting him as a potential top 10 selection.<ref name="nfldraftscout1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=107040&draftyear=2014&genpos=DE |title=*Kony Ealy &#124; Missouri, DE : 2014 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |website=Nfldraftscout.com |date=2006-09-21 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref name="cbssports1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737527/kony-ealy |title=Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com |website=CBSSports.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Joseph Zucker |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1910703-kony-ealy-officially-announces-he-will-enter-2014-nfl-draft |title=Kony Ealy Officially Announces He Will Enter 2014 NFL Draft |publisher=[[Bleacher Report]] |date=2014-01-04 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> His combination of length, athleticism, and versatility drew comparisons to players including [[Robert Quinn (American football)|Robert Quinn]], [[Michael Bennett (defensive lineman, born 1985)|Michael Bennett]], and [[Chandler Jones]].<ref name="cbssports1"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Dinkins |first=Chad |url=http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/02/03/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kony-ealy-de-missouri/ |title=2014 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Kony Ealy, DE Missouri |website=Withthefirstpick.com |date=2014-02-03 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> [[Dallas Cowboys]] executive vice president [[Stephen Jones (Dallas Cowboys)|Stephen Jones]] noted after the [[2014 NFL Draft]] that had the Cowboys not traded the number 47 overall selection in a deal to move up to select Boise State defensive end [[DeMarcus Lawrence]], they would have used that pick to draft Ealy, whom they regarded as an immediate starter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000350323/article/cowboys-vp-we-likely-would-have-drafted-ealy-absent-trade |title=Cowboys VP: We likely would have drafted Ealy absent trade |website=NFL.com |date=2014-05-14 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref>


Ealy was drafted with the 60th pick by the [[Carolina Panthers]] in the [[2014 NFL Draft]].
Ealy was drafted with the 60th pick by the [[Carolina Panthers]] in the [[2014 NFL Draft]].
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===Carolina Panthers===
===Carolina Panthers===
====2014====
====2014====
On May 29, 2014, Ealy signed a four-year $3.55 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/kony-ealy/ |title=Kony Ealy Contract Details, Salary Cap Breakdowns, Salaries, Bonuses |website=Spotrac.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> Per Pro Football Focus, Ealy was one of the highest-graded run defenders of the NFL in the preseason.<ref>[http://insidethenumbers.sportsblog.com/posts/1068037/panthers_2014_draft_class_could_be_best_in_years.html] {{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref> He made his NFL debut performance in week 2 when the Panthers defeated the [[Detroit Lions]] in a 24-7 victory.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16773/kony-ealy |title=Kony Ealy Stats, News, Videos, Highlights, Pictures, Bio - Carolina Panthers |website=Espn.go.com |date=1991-12-21 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> In their week 8 matchup against the defending champion [[Seattle Seahawks]], Ealy had his best game of the season with two solo tackles and the first sack of his NFL career against [[Russell Wilson]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Brandon Croce |url=http://profootball.scout.com/story/1473356-panthers-defensive-grades-for-week-8?s=127 |title=Panthers' Defensive Grades for Week 8 - Nfl - Scout |website=Profootball.scout.com |date=2014-10-26 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> In their week 14 win over the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Ealy recorded his 2nd career NFL sack against [[Josh McCown]]. Ealy followed this up with another sack of [[Brian Hoyer]] during the Panthers week 15 win over the [[Cleveland Browns]], beating [[Joe Thomas (American football)|Joe Thomas]].<ref>[http://blackandbluereview.com/observations-browns-at-panthers-second-half/ ]{{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref> On December 23, 2014, Ealy was named to [[Sports Illustrated]] All-Rookie Team.<ref>{{cite web|author=Doug Farrar |url=http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/12/23/best-nfl-rookies-2014-teddy-bridgewater-aaron-donald |title=Best NFL rookies 2014: Teddy Bridgewater, Aaron Donald, more |website=SI.com |date=2014-12-23 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the final game of the season, Ealy recorded a sack on Atlanta quarterback, [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]], recording a sack in each of the final three games of his rookie season. Over the final four games of the season, Ealy also recorded nine QB pressures to double his total over any other four game segment of his rookie season.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bryan Knowles |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2472856-5-carolina-panthers-players-poised-for-a-breakout-campaign-in-2015/page/4 |title=5 Carolina Panthers Players Poised for a Breakout Campaign in 2015 |publisher=[[Bleacher Report]] |date=2015-05-22 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> Ealy finished his rookie season with 12 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Rookie Team of 2014.
On May 29, 2014, Ealy signed a four-year $3.55 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/kony-ealy/ |title=Kony Ealy Contract Details, Salary Cap Breakdowns, Salaries, Bonuses |website=Spotrac.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> Per Pro Football Focus, Ealy was one of the highest-graded run defenders of the NFL in the preseason.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://insidethenumbers.sportsblog.com/posts/1068037/panthers_2014_draft_class_could_be_best_in_years.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-09-18 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030231615/http://insidethenumbers.sportsblog.com/posts/1068037/panthers_2014_draft_class_could_be_best_in_years.html |archivedate=2014-10-30 |df= }} </ref> He made his NFL debut performance in week 2 when the Panthers defeated the [[Detroit Lions]] in a 24-7 victory.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16773/kony-ealy |title=Kony Ealy Stats, News, Videos, Highlights, Pictures, Bio - Carolina Panthers |website=Espn.go.com |date=1991-12-21 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> In their week 8 matchup against the defending champion [[Seattle Seahawks]], Ealy had his best game of the season with two solo tackles and the first sack of his NFL career against [[Russell Wilson]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Brandon Croce |url=http://profootball.scout.com/story/1473356-panthers-defensive-grades-for-week-8?s=127 |title=Panthers' Defensive Grades for Week 8 - Nfl - Scout |website=Profootball.scout.com |date=2014-10-26 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> In their week 14 win over the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Ealy recorded his 2nd career NFL sack against [[Josh McCown]]. Ealy followed this up with another sack of [[Brian Hoyer]] during the Panthers week 15 win over the [[Cleveland Browns]], beating [[Joe Thomas (American football)|Joe Thomas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/observations-browns-at-panthers-second-half/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-12-25 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225145018/http://blackandbluereview.com/observations-browns-at-panthers-second-half/ |archivedate=2014-12-25 |df= }}</ref> On December 23, 2014, Ealy was named to [[Sports Illustrated]] All-Rookie Team.<ref>{{cite web|author=Doug Farrar |url=http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/12/23/best-nfl-rookies-2014-teddy-bridgewater-aaron-donald |title=Best NFL rookies 2014: Teddy Bridgewater, Aaron Donald, more |website=SI.com |date=2014-12-23 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the final game of the season, Ealy recorded a sack on Atlanta quarterback, [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]], recording a sack in each of the final three games of his rookie season. Over the final four games of the season, Ealy also recorded nine QB pressures to double his total over any other four game segment of his rookie season.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bryan Knowles |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2472856-5-carolina-panthers-players-poised-for-a-breakout-campaign-in-2015/page/4 |title=5 Carolina Panthers Players Poised for a Breakout Campaign in 2015 |publisher=[[Bleacher Report]] |date=2015-05-22 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> Ealy finished his rookie season with 12 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Rookie Team of 2014.


====2015====
====2015====
Ealy's development continued through the 2015 preseason where he recorded 2 sacks and was named a full-time starter opposite to [[Charles Johnson (defensive end)|Charles Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article32830542.html |title=Panthers coach Rivera says he’s found his new defensive end: Kony Ealy |website=Charlotteobserver.com |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers week 2 victory over the [[Houston Texans]], Ealy recorded his first quarterback pressure of the year.<ref>[http://www.carolinahuddle.com/index.html/articles/panthers-pff-grades-defense-r636/ ]{{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref> During the Panthers week 4 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ealy recorded a career-high five tackles, 1 TFL, and a QB hit.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400791701 |title=Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Box Score - October 4, 2015 |website=Espn.go.com |date=2015-10-04 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers victory over the Indianopolis Colts during week 7, Ealy recorded his first strip sack of the season against quarterback [[Andrew Luck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-carolina-panthers-20151102029/ |title=Indianapolis at Carolina &#124; 2015-11-02 &#124; National Football League &#124; Yahoo! Sports |website=Sports.yahoo.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers 37-29 victory over the [[Green Bay Packers]] that helped the Panthers move to 8-0 in the first time in franchise history, Ealy recorded a strip sack for the second consecutive week against quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/green-bay-packers-carolina-panthers-20151108029/ |title=Green Bay at Carolina &#124; 2015-11-08 &#124; National Football League &#124; Yahoo! Sports |website=Sports.yahoo.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> Ealy managed 10 quarterback pressures through six games, but recorded six over the last two games.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bryan Strickland |url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Notes-Ealy-picking-up-pace/8b08a05f-672b-4768-9147-7f58cc71dec1 |title=Notes: Ealy picking up pace |website=Panthers.com |date=2015-11-12 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> The following week, Ealy picked up a sack in his third straight game against [[Marcus Mariota]] during the Panthers 27-10 victory over the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/panthers-at-titans-stats-and-superlatives/ |title=Panthers at Titans: Stats and Superlatives |website=Blackandbluereview.com |date=2015-11-15 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> The next week, during the Panthers 44-16 victory over the Washington Redskins to move them to 10-0, Ealy had his fourth straight game with a sack of quarterback [[Kirk Cousins]] and on the same play, recorded a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015112206/2015/REG11/redskins@panthers#tab=analyze&analyze=boxscore&menu=gameinfo |title=Watch Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers |website=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers 33-14 victory over the [[Dallas Cowboys]], Ealy recorded a sack in his 5th straight game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brinson |first=Will |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/panthers-kony-ealy-records-sack-in-fifth-straight-game/ |title=Panthers' Kony Ealy: Records sack in fifth straight game |website=CBSSports.com |date=2015-11-27 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During [[Super Bowl 50]] against the [[Denver Broncos]], Ealy tied the Super Bowl record and set the Panthers' postseason record with 3 sacks, accomplishing this in only 23 total snaps. He also recorded an interception and forced fumble in the game. The Panthers would lose the Super Bowl 24-10. Ealy became the first player in Super Bowl history to have an interception and multiple sacks. He was also the first since 1993 to record multiple sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in a postseason game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/kony-ealy-super-bowl/ |title=Kony Ealy's Breakout Game Not Enough for Panthers |website=Blackandbluereview.com |date=2016-02-08 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> He tied both [[Reggie White]] and [[Darnell Dockett]] for the most sacks in Super Bowl with three.
Ealy's development continued through the 2015 preseason where he recorded 2 sacks and was named a full-time starter opposite to [[Charles Johnson (defensive end)|Charles Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article32830542.html |title=Panthers coach Rivera says he’s found his new defensive end: Kony Ealy |website=Charlotteobserver.com |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers week 2 victory over the [[Houston Texans]], Ealy recorded his first quarterback pressure of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carolinahuddle.com/index.html/articles/panthers-pff-grades-defense-r636/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-10-01 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003042219/http://www.carolinahuddle.com/index.html/articles/panthers-pff-grades-defense-r636/ |archivedate=2015-10-03 |df= }}</ref> During the Panthers week 4 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ealy recorded a career-high five tackles, 1 TFL, and a QB hit.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400791701 |title=Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Box Score - October 4, 2015 |website=Espn.go.com |date=2015-10-04 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers victory over the Indianopolis Colts during week 7, Ealy recorded his first strip sack of the season against quarterback [[Andrew Luck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-carolina-panthers-20151102029/ |title=Indianapolis at Carolina &#124; 2015-11-02 &#124; National Football League &#124; Yahoo! Sports |website=Sports.yahoo.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers 37-29 victory over the [[Green Bay Packers]] that helped the Panthers move to 8-0 in the first time in franchise history, Ealy recorded a strip sack for the second consecutive week against quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/green-bay-packers-carolina-panthers-20151108029/ |title=Green Bay at Carolina &#124; 2015-11-08 &#124; National Football League &#124; Yahoo! Sports |website=Sports.yahoo.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> Ealy managed 10 quarterback pressures through six games, but recorded six over the last two games.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bryan Strickland |url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Notes-Ealy-picking-up-pace/8b08a05f-672b-4768-9147-7f58cc71dec1 |title=Notes: Ealy picking up pace |website=Panthers.com |date=2015-11-12 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> The following week, Ealy picked up a sack in his third straight game against [[Marcus Mariota]] during the Panthers 27-10 victory over the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/panthers-at-titans-stats-and-superlatives/ |title=Panthers at Titans: Stats and Superlatives |website=Blackandbluereview.com |date=2015-11-15 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> The next week, during the Panthers 44-16 victory over the Washington Redskins to move them to 10-0, Ealy had his fourth straight game with a sack of quarterback [[Kirk Cousins]] and on the same play, recorded a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015112206/2015/REG11/redskins@panthers#tab=analyze&analyze=boxscore&menu=gameinfo |title=Watch Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers |website=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During the Panthers 33-14 victory over the [[Dallas Cowboys]], Ealy recorded a sack in his 5th straight game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brinson |first=Will |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/panthers-kony-ealy-records-sack-in-fifth-straight-game/ |title=Panthers' Kony Ealy: Records sack in fifth straight game |website=CBSSports.com |date=2015-11-27 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> During [[Super Bowl 50]] against the [[Denver Broncos]], Ealy tied the Super Bowl record and set the Panthers' postseason record with 3 sacks, accomplishing this in only 23 total snaps. He also recorded an interception and forced fumble in the game. The Panthers would lose the Super Bowl 24-10. Ealy became the first player in Super Bowl history to have an interception and multiple sacks. He was also the first since 1993 to record multiple sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in a postseason game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/kony-ealy-super-bowl/ |title=Kony Ealy's Breakout Game Not Enough for Panthers |website=Blackandbluereview.com |date=2016-02-08 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> He tied both [[Reggie White]] and [[Darnell Dockett]] for the most sacks in Super Bowl with three.


====2016====
====2016====

Revision as of 18:48, 7 May 2017

Kony Ealy
refer to caption
Ealy playing for the Panthers in 2014.
No. 94 – New England Patriots
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1991-12-21) December 21, 1991 (age 32)
Morganton, North Carolina
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:275 lb (125 kg)
Career information
High school:New Madrid (MO)
College:Missouri
NFL draft:2014 / round: 2 / pick: 60
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
  • PFWA All-NFC/NFL Team (2014)
  • First-team All-SEC (2013)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2016
Tackles:76
Quarterback sacks:14.0
Forced fumbles:6
Interceptions:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Kony Ealy (born December 21, 1991) is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.

High school

Ealy attended New Madrid County Central in New Madrid, Missouri, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track. In football, he notched 89 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, and 10.5 quarterback sacks while adding 21 quarterback hurries in his junior season; on offense, he caught 22 passes for 501 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was a first-team All-state, All-conference, All-region and All-district selection as a senior, after he amassed 104 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 31 quarterback pressures, 5 forced fumbles, 7 pass break ups, 4 blocked kicks. He was also a standout in basketball, where he earned All-state, and numerous All-district, All-region and All-conference honors.[1]

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Ealy was rated as the 11th best weakside defensive end prospect of his class.[2]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Kony Ealy
DE 		New Madrid, Missouri New Madrid County Central High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 230 lb (100 kg) 4.65 Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN grade: 78
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 13 (DE)   Rivals: 11 (DE), 3 (MO)  ESPN: 49 (DE)
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Missouri Football Commitment List (23)". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  • "2010 Missouri College Football Recruiting Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  • "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  • "2010 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 29, 2014.

College career

Ealy attended the University of Missouri from 2010 to 2013. In 2010, Ealy redshirted as a true freshman. In 2011, Ealy earned a back-up role, recording 13 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss in 12 games. He made his first career start at Baylor During the Independence Bowl against North Carolina, Ealy recorded 2 tackles, including a half-tackle for loss. He was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. In 2012, he started 10 games for the Tigers, recording 37 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 7 pass break-ups, and 5 quarterback pressures. In 2013, he started all 14 games, setting a new career high in tackles with 43, tackles for loss with 14.5, and sacks with 9.5, while forcing three fumbles and intercepting one pass which he returned 49 yards for a TD against Indiana. For his play, Ealy was named to the first team All-SEC.

He announced on January 3, 2014 that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL Draft.[3]

Professional career

As a sophomore the year before, Ealy was given a third round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board, which is typically conservative when projecting the draft positions of underclassmen.[4][5] Following his breakout junior campaign, Ealy was a projected first round pick by numerous outlets, including the Panthers General Manager Dave Gettleman,[6] with some projecting him as a potential top 10 selection.[7][8][9] His combination of length, athleticism, and versatility drew comparisons to players including Robert Quinn, Michael Bennett, and Chandler Jones.[8][10] Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones noted after the 2014 NFL Draft that had the Cowboys not traded the number 47 overall selection in a deal to move up to select Boise State defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, they would have used that pick to draft Ealy, whom they regarded as an immediate starter.[11]

Ealy was drafted with the 60th pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4 in
(1.93 m) 		273 lb
(124 kg) 		34+1⁄4 9+1⁄2 4.69 s 1.69 s 2.75 s 4.45 s 6.83 s 32 in
(0.81 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 22 reps
All values from NFL Combine[12] or Missouri Pro Day[7]

Carolina Panthers

2014

On May 29, 2014, Ealy signed a four-year $3.55 million deal.[13] Per Pro Football Focus, Ealy was one of the highest-graded run defenders of the NFL in the preseason.[14] He made his NFL debut performance in week 2 when the Panthers defeated the Detroit Lions in a 24-7 victory.[15] In their week 8 matchup against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks, Ealy had his best game of the season with two solo tackles and the first sack of his NFL career against Russell Wilson.[16] In their week 14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ealy recorded his 2nd career NFL sack against Josh McCown. Ealy followed this up with another sack of Brian Hoyer during the Panthers week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, beating Joe Thomas.[17] On December 23, 2014, Ealy was named to Sports Illustrated All-Rookie Team.[18] During the final game of the season, Ealy recorded a sack on Atlanta quarterback, Matt Ryan, recording a sack in each of the final three games of his rookie season. Over the final four games of the season, Ealy also recorded nine QB pressures to double his total over any other four game segment of his rookie season.[19] Ealy finished his rookie season with 12 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Rookie Team of 2014.

2015

Ealy's development continued through the 2015 preseason where he recorded 2 sacks and was named a full-time starter opposite to Charles Johnson.[20] During the Panthers week 2 victory over the Houston Texans, Ealy recorded his first quarterback pressure of the year.[21] During the Panthers week 4 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ealy recorded a career-high five tackles, 1 TFL, and a QB hit.[22] During the Panthers victory over the Indianopolis Colts during week 7, Ealy recorded his first strip sack of the season against quarterback Andrew Luck.[23] During the Panthers 37-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers that helped the Panthers move to 8-0 in the first time in franchise history, Ealy recorded a strip sack for the second consecutive week against quarterback Aaron Rodgers.[24] Ealy managed 10 quarterback pressures through six games, but recorded six over the last two games.[25] The following week, Ealy picked up a sack in his third straight game against Marcus Mariota during the Panthers 27-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans.[26] The next week, during the Panthers 44-16 victory over the Washington Redskins to move them to 10-0, Ealy had his fourth straight game with a sack of quarterback Kirk Cousins and on the same play, recorded a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.[27] During the Panthers 33-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Ealy recorded a sack in his 5th straight game.[28] During Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos, Ealy tied the Super Bowl record and set the Panthers' postseason record with 3 sacks, accomplishing this in only 23 total snaps. He also recorded an interception and forced fumble in the game. The Panthers would lose the Super Bowl 24-10. Ealy became the first player in Super Bowl history to have an interception and multiple sacks. He was also the first since 1993 to record multiple sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in a postseason game.[29] He tied both Reggie White and Darnell Dockett for the most sacks in Super Bowl with three.

2016

In 2016, Ealy played all 16 games, however, he only started six. He recorded 32 tackles, 5 sacks, and one interception.

New England Patriots

On March 10, 2017, Ealy was traded to the New England Patriots along with a third-round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft in exchange for New England's 2017 second-round draft pick.[30][31][32]

Career stats

Regular season

Year Team GP GS Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Comb Total Ast Sck SFTY PDef Int Yds Avg Lng TDs FF FR
2014 CAR 15 0 12 8 4 4.0 0 0 0 0 -- -- 0 1 0
2015 CAR 16 9 32 15 17 5.0 0 2 0 0 -- -- 0 3 2
2016 CAR 16 6 32 19 13 5.0 0 3 1 7 7.0 7 0 2 0
Total 47 15 76 42 34 14.0 0 5 1 7 7.0 7 0 5 2

Playoffs

Year Team GP GS Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Comb Total Ast Sck SFTY PDef Int Yds Avg Lng TDs FF FR
2014-15 CAR 2 0 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015-16 CAR 3 1 7 4 3 3.0 0 1 1 19 19.0 19 0 1 1
Total 5 1 11 5 6 3.0 0 1 1 19 19.0 19 0 1 1

References

  1. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-15. Retrieved 2014-01-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ "Ryan Grant Stats | College Football at". Sports-reference.com. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  3. ^ "Missouri DE Kony Ealy will enter 2014 NFL Draft". NFL.com. 2014-01-04. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  4. ^ Latsch, Nate (2013-12-31). "Kony Ealy's strong season for Missouri Tigers draws notice from opponents, NFL scouts". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  5. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-09-07. Retrieved 2014-09-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ^ "Panthers' 2nd-Round Pick: Missouri DE Kony Ealy". Blackandbluereview.com. 2014-05-09. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  7. ^ a b "*Kony Ealy | Missouri, DE : 2014 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". Nfldraftscout.com. 2006-09-21. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  8. ^ a b "Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  9. ^ Joseph Zucker (2014-01-04). "Kony Ealy Officially Announces He Will Enter 2014 NFL Draft". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  10. ^ Dinkins, Chad (2014-02-03). "2014 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Kony Ealy, DE Missouri". Withthefirstpick.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  11. ^ "Cowboys VP: We likely would have drafted Ealy absent trade". NFL.com. 2014-05-14. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  12. ^ Nolan Nawrocki (2013-02-13). "NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Kony Ealy". Nfl.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  13. ^ "Kony Ealy Contract Details, Salary Cap Breakdowns, Salaries, Bonuses". Spotrac.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  14. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-10-30. Retrieved 2014-09-18. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ^ "Kony Ealy Stats, News, Videos, Highlights, Pictures, Bio - Carolina Panthers". Espn.go.com. 1991-12-21. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  16. ^ Brandon Croce (2014-10-26). "Panthers' Defensive Grades for Week 8 - Nfl - Scout". Profootball.scout.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  17. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-25. Retrieved 2014-12-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ Doug Farrar (2014-12-23). "Best NFL rookies 2014: Teddy Bridgewater, Aaron Donald, more". SI.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  19. ^ Bryan Knowles (2015-05-22). "5 Carolina Panthers Players Poised for a Breakout Campaign in 2015". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  20. ^ "Panthers coach Rivera says he's found his new defensive end: Kony Ealy". Charlotteobserver.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  21. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-10-03. Retrieved 2015-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. ^ "Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Box Score - October 4, 2015". Espn.go.com. 2015-10-04. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  23. ^ "Indianapolis at Carolina | 2015-11-02 | National Football League | Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  24. ^ "Green Bay at Carolina | 2015-11-08 | National Football League | Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  25. ^ Bryan Strickland (2015-11-12). "Notes: Ealy picking up pace". Panthers.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  26. ^ "Panthers at Titans: Stats and Superlatives". Blackandbluereview.com. 2015-11-15. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  27. ^ "Watch Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers". NFL.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  28. ^ Brinson, Will (2015-11-27). "Panthers' Kony Ealy: Records sack in fifth straight game". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  29. ^ "Kony Ealy's Breakout Game Not Enough for Panthers". Blackandbluereview.com. 2016-02-08. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  30. ^ Strickland, Bryan (March 10, 2017). "Panthers trade Kony Ealy to Patriots". Panthers.com.
  31. ^ Sessler, Marc (March 10, 2017). "Carolina Panthers trade DE Kony Ealy to Patriots". NFL.com.
  32. ^ "Patriots acquire WR Brandin Cooks in a trade with New Orleans; Acquire DL Kony Ealy in a trade with Carolina". Patriots.com. March 11, 2017.
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