Shane Ray had been out of the league since 2019, the defensive end made his unlikely return after signing with the Buffalo Bills after trying out at the team’s rookie minicamp on Friday and Saturday.
Ray was picked 23rd overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2015 draft out of Missouri and played four seasons for the Broncos. Ray, who played for Denver in Super Bowl 50, last signed with an NFL team in 2019.
This weekend, defensive end Shane Ray posted on Instagram that he was signing with the Bills and he was emotional about it.
“Words can’t describe the emotions I’m feeling right now,” Ray wrote on his Instagram post. “So many tears, sleepless nights, depression, everything that comes with losing the game. So many days of having nothing but hope while fighting an uphill battle. There were times that I thought maybe I should give up, but I wouldn’t be me if I folded. Even in my darkest moments, I believed in myself. I believed in my preparation. I believed that I would have another opportunity even if the world didn’t believe. …
“It’s official I’m a @buffalobills!!! I’m so grateful and excited for this opportunity this moment I’ve dreamt about for four years. I’m back!!!!!!!”
Ray recorded 20 combined tackles and four sacks in his rookie season, and then 48 combined tackles, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 2016, when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. However, a wrist injury forced him to miss half of the following season.
After his rookie contract expired, he would sign with the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the 2019 season. However, he was cut before the regular season.
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Ray has been a member of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League since 2021. He has six sacks and two forced fumbles for the Argonauts last season.
In 49 career NFL games played, Ray has recorded 94 combined tackles and 14 sacks. Now, the 29-year-old gets a second chance.
