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Karon Riley
Karon Riley
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Karon Joseph Riley (born August 23, 1978) is an American former professional football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) and Arena Football League (AFL). He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2001 NFL draft. Riley played college football for the SMU Mustangs and Minnesota Golden Gophers. He is now a television actor and producer.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

At Martin Luther King High School in Detroit, Michigan, Riley starred in football, basketball, and track&field. As a senior, in football, he was an All-City choice, an All-Metro choice, and an All-State choice.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Riley entered the National Football League by being selected by the Chicago Bears in the 4th round (103rd overall pick) of the 2001 NFL draft out of the University of Minnesota.[2][3] He played with the Bears in 2001 and the Atlanta Falcons (2003-2004).

In 2005, he played two games in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts.[4]

On January 30, 2006, Riley signed with the Redskins as an unrestricted free agent but was released on August 28, 2006[5]

Riley played two seasons in the Arena Football League with the Las Vegas/Cleveland Gladiators (2007–2008) as an offensive lineman/defensive lineman.[6] On August 8, 2008, Riley was removed from the Gladiators roster and reassigned to the Arena Football 1 League office.[7]

Acting career

[edit]

Riley has appeared in a few films and television shows since 2010 including Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns, 35 and Ticking, The Last Punch, Last Call, Mann & Wife and the 2019 film Little.

In 2019, Riley appeared in a recurring role on Bounce TV soap opera-drama Saints & Sinners. He was the first replacement made in the series recast as the character Malik Thompson, previously portrayed by Anthony Dalton in 2018. Riley has starred as main character Malcolm in the hit series "The Black Hamptons" since 2022.

He is also a film producer, in which his credits include two films.

Personal life

[edit]

Riley is married to actress Terri J. Vaughn and on April 24, 2008, Vaughn welcomed their first child, a son named Kal'El Joseph Riley.[8]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2010 This Time Malcolm Short
2011 35 and Ticking Roderick
2012 A Cross to Bear Trey TV movie
2013 Between Sisters Sheldon TV movie
A Christmas Blessing Oscar TV movie
Marry Me for Christmas Blair TV movie
2014 Where's the Love? Dale TV movie
Lyfe's Journey Rob White TV movie
Marry Us for Christmas Blair TV movie
2015 Blaq Gold Grail Jacobs TV movie
A Baby for Christmas Blair TV movie
2016 The Last Punch Muhammad Ali
Merry Christmas, Baby Blair TV movie
Beat Street Prince Video
2017 When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story Robert TV movie
2018 Gentrification Michael Shields
Breakthrough Officer Lorenzo Daryl
The Mothers Officer Bentley Short
Chandler Christmas Getaway Blair TV movie
The Morning After: Part One Michael
Coins for Christmas Jake TV movie
Related Destiny Chico Short
2019 Thirty Javon Short
Little Tony
The Waiting Room Steven
His, Hers & the Truth Xavier
2020 Coins for Love Jake TV movie
Vault of Terrors David Short
Pinch Simon Ross
2021 Stick Me Up Thomas
Liam White: The Forgettable Life of Liam White Chris
The Holiday Switch Jay Rich
Letters from the Bottle Amos Naphish
2022 The Love We Had Corey Wright
Red Winter Jerrod
Stronger Jarrod
Out of Anger Alex
Single Not Searching Rodney
The Holiday Stocking Wilson Whitlock TV movie
Eighteen Gerald Harris

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2010 Meet the Browns Medic Episode: "Meet the Cheating Liver"
2012 Single Ladies Baller Episode: "Eat, Play, Love"
Boulevard West Malachi Main cast
Conversations Mr. Gomez Episode: "Pilot"
2013 Necessary Roughness Damani Jensen Episode: "The Fall Guy"
Walking with Gods Detective John Marcus Main cast
Love Thy Neighbor Marty Episode: "The Black Tie Affair"
2017 Mann & Wife James Episode: "Mann in Charge"
2018 Insatiable Chase Episode: "Pilot"
The Pre-Quarter Life Crisis Mykell Episode: "Super Lit"
2019 Last Call Julian Episode: "Bird & The Beast"
American Soul Corporal Siprian Episode: "Continuous Revolution in Progress"
Ambitions Roderick Recurring cast
BET Her Presents: The Waiting Room Steven Episode: "The Waiting Room"
2021 The Bottom Reggie Main cast
Saints & Sinners Malik Thompson Recurring cast: season 5
2022 The Black Hamptons Malcom Britton Main cast
Twisted Darnell Episode: "Long Day"
2025 She the People Michael

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Karon Joseph Riley (born August 23, 1978) is an American actor, producer, director, and former professional football player best known for his transition from a standout college and professional athletic career to roles in television series such as and film franchises like Marry Me for Christmas. Born in , Michigan, Riley initially played for the Mustangs before transferring to the Golden Gophers, where he graduated with a degree in . At Minnesota from 1999 to 2000, he set the school's all-time sacks record with 29 quarterback sacks over two seasons (16 in 1999 and 13 in 2000), earned consensus All-American honors, and was named the Big Ten Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year. Selected by the in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the , Riley played as a and linebacker for the Bears (2001–2002) and (2003–2005), appearing in 25 games with 0 sacks, before continuing his professional career in the with the Cleveland Gladiators and Las Vegas Gladiators, and in the Canadian Football League with the in 2005. After retiring from football, Riley trained in acting and made his screen debut in the 2011 comedy film 35 and Ticking, co-starring with actors like and . His notable acting credits include portraying boxing legend in the 2015 independent film The Last Punch, leading roles in the five-film Marry Me for Christmas holiday series (2013–present) as Blair, and recurring appearances in Bounce TV's Saints & Sinners (2021). Since 2022, Riley has portrayed the main character Malcom Britton in the BET+ drama series Carl Weber's , earning recognition for his work in ensemble casts alongside talents like . He has also guest-starred in shows such as Single Ladies, Necessary Roughness, Ambitions, , and Little, while producing and directing independent projects. Riley is married to Terri J. Vaughn since January 19, 2008, and they have three children: sons Daylen and Kal’El, and daughter Lola.

Early life and education

Childhood in Detroit

Karon Joseph Riley was born on August 23, 1978, in , . Growing up in , Riley was raised in a that nurtured his emerging talents in both and athletics. His mother, an aspiring , played a pivotal role in fostering his creative side, often telling him he was "born a star" and encouraging his pursuits with praise for his early performances. His father, Fred Riley, contributed to a supportive household environment that emphasized hard work and personal growth, influencing Riley's disciplined approach to his interests. Riley's passion for acting ignited early, as young as the first grade, when he portrayed in a play, an experience that solidified his desire to pursue performance. This debut, bolstered by his mother's approval, sparked a lifelong interest in amid Detroit's vibrant cultural scene. Concurrently, his athletic abilities began to surface through participation in local programs, where he excelled in football and , initially favoring the latter before shifting focus. These early endeavors laid the groundwork for his later athletic achievements.

High school career

Karon Riley attended in Detroit, Michigan, where he emerged as a multi-sport standout. He competed in football, , and , balancing rigorous athletic demands across disciplines. In football, Riley excelled as a defensive player, earning All-State honors as a senior for his contributions on the line. His natural strength and speed were evident, as he clocked a 10.8-second 100-meter dash in track at 210 pounds, highlighting his athletic versatility. Riley also received All-State recognition in during his high school tenure. Riley's defensive prowess drew attention from college recruiters, leading to his commitment to (SMU), where he continued developing as a and outside linebacker.

College career

Karon Riley initially enrolled at (SMU) in 1996 after graduating from high school, playing football there for two seasons (1996–1997). He transferred to the in 1998, sitting out the 1998 season due to NCAA transfer rules before competing as a for the Golden Gophers in 1999 and 2000. In his first eligible season of 1999, Riley recorded 59 tackles, including 22 tackles for loss and a Big Ten-leading 16 sacks, contributing significantly to a Golden Gophers defense that ranked highly in the conference for scoring and passing defense. His breakout performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media. Riley's senior year in 2000 built on that success, as he led the team with 20 tackles for loss and 13 sacks while earning first-team All-Big Ten selection from both coaches and media, along with Big Ten Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year and All-American recognition. A highlight was his school-record four sacks in a 27-24 win over on November 18, 2000. Over his two seasons, Riley amassed 29 sacks, establishing the all-time record that still stands. Beyond football, Riley maintained academic progress and graduated from the with a degree in , though specific details on his extracurricular activities are not widely documented.

Football career

NFL teams and achievements

Karon Riley was selected by the in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the . As a , he appeared in five games for the Bears, primarily in a reserve role, recording one solo tackle during the season. His limited playing time reflected the challenges faced by rookies vying for snaps on a established defensive line. In 2002, Riley joined the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent the next three seasons as a linebacker and defensive end. Over 20 games with the Falcons from 2002 to 2004, he contributed 10 solo tackles, five assists, and one fumble recovery in 2003, often serving as a rotational player on the defensive front. His tenure was marred by injuries, including a groin issue that sidelined him in September 2004 and a subsequent pelvis injury that landed him on injured reserve on October 20, 2004, limiting him to just one game that year. After his release from following the 2004 season, Riley briefly returned to the in 2006 when he signed with the Washington Redskins as an unrestricted on January 30. However, he did not appear in any games and was released by the team on August 28 during preseason roster cuts. Across his career, spanning 2001 to 2004 with brief involvement in 2006, Riley played in 25 games without a start, accumulating 13 solo tackles, five assists, and one fumble recovery while positioned primarily as a and linebacker.

Arena and Canadian leagues

After concluding his NFL stints, Karon Riley pursued opportunities in other professional leagues, leveraging his experience as a defensive lineman to adapt to alternative formats. In 2005, Riley joined the of the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he appeared in two games as a , contributing to the team's defensive line during a season that saw finish with a 7-11 record. The CFL's larger field dimensions and three-down system presented distinct challenges compared to the , requiring adjustments in coverage and pursuit angles, though Riley's limited games reflected the league's competitive roster turnover. Riley then transitioned to the Arena Football League (AFL) in 2007, signing with the Las Vegas Gladiators as an offensive and defensive lineman. During the , he recorded 18 tackles over the team's campaign, helping the Gladiators secure a playoff berth in a league known for its fast-paced, indoor style on a 50-yard field with rebounding walls that intensified physical demands. In 2008, Riley moved to the Cleveland Gladiators, where he notched 29 tackles in a more extensive role, contributing to defensive efforts amid the team's push toward the postseason; the AFL's hybrid lineman positions demanded versatility, blending blocking and rushing in confined spaces that amplified risks from constant contact. Riley's combined tenure in the CFL and AFL spanned three seasons, forming part of his overall seven-year professional football career across multiple leagues and underscoring his adaptability despite persistent challenges like adapting to rule variations and managing the physical toll of shorter, more intense play.

Retirement

Riley officially retired from professional football in 2008, at the age of 30, after concluding his tenure with the Las Vegas Gladiators in the Arena Football League. His career, which spanned seven seasons across the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), and Arena Football League (AFL), included stints with the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Toronto Argonauts, and Gladiators, where he primarily played as a defensive lineman. Reflecting on his professional journey, Riley highlighted the brevity and intensity of his seven-year run, noting it as a fulfilling chapter built on his college accolades as an All-American and the University of Minnesota's all-time sack leader. Across leagues, he accumulated modest but representative statistics, such as 18 tackles (13 solo and five assists) and 1 fumble recovery in 25 games, alongside contributions in the CFL and 8.5 sacks in the AFL. These achievements underscored his transition from a fourth-round draft pick to a versatile gridiron professional, though he acknowledged the sport's physical toll and the uncertainty of roster spots as factors in his decision to step away. In the immediate aftermath, Riley stayed connected to sports by co-hosting several local shows on media outlets, leveraging his experience to analyze games and build comfort in front of the camera. This role served as a bridge during his physical transition, where he intentionally reduced his football-built frame—once suited for 265 pounds of lineman mass—to a leaner physique more adaptable for on-screen work. Mentally, the shift from the high-stakes, team-oriented rhythm of athletics to independent pursuits brought challenges, including identity adjustment and financial instability, which he overcame through disciplined training and faith-driven perseverance.

Entertainment career

Transition from sports

Following his retirement from professional football in 2008, Karon Riley decided to pursue , a passion he had harbored since childhood. As early as , Riley discovered his love for performing while playing the role of in a school play, which ignited a lifelong interest in the craft despite his primary focus on sports during his athletic career. This retirement enabled him to fully dedicate himself to transitioning into entertainment, drawing on the discipline and work ethic developed through years in the , CFL, and AFL. Riley's acting training began around 2008, shortly after his retirement, with classes taken during off-seasons in while still playing football. His relocation to in 2002 to join the proved instrumental, as it allowed him to establish connections within the growing local entertainment scene, often referred to as "Hollywood South," which supported his early network-building efforts. As part of his initial professional steps, Riley began attending auditions and secured representation with The Vantage Firm, which helped facilitate his entry into the industry. These efforts marked the preparatory phase of his entertainment career, setting the stage for further opportunities without delving into specific projects.

Acting breakthrough

Riley's acting breakthrough came in 2011 with his debut role in , a directed by , where he portrayed the character Roderick alongside stars like and . This marked his first speaking role in a , following years of preparation that included classes during his off-seasons as a professional athlete. Prior to the film, Riley had begun building his television presence with an early appearance in the sitcom Meet the Browns in 2010, playing a in the "Meet the Cheating Liver." He continued with roles in other Perry productions, including For Better or Worse, which helped establish his footing in ensemble casts focused on family dynamics and relationships. These appearances showcased his ability to transition from the physical demands of football to the nuanced performances required in scripted television. Riley further gained momentum through guest spots on popular series such as Single Ladies in 2012, where he played a baller in the episode "Eat, Play, Love," and Necessary Roughness in 2013. These roles on and highlighted his versatility in dramatic and comedic contexts, contributing to his rising profile in Hollywood. As a former NFL player, Riley faced significant challenges in the industry, including shedding his athletic physique to fit more conventional roles and overcoming as a "jock" character. He dedicated time post-retirement to intensive training, transforming his body and honing his craft to build a credible resume from limited initial opportunities. This perseverance paid off, as consistent bookings in the early solidified his breakthrough, proving his discipline from sports translated effectively to the competitive world of entertainment.

Producing and directing

Karon Riley began his producing career in the early 2010s. Subsequent producing efforts included serving as on The Morning After: Part One (2018), a comedy-drama about unexpected life twists, where he also appeared on-screen, demonstrating his multifaceted involvement in independent productions. Riley's directing debut came with the TV series (2021), a gritty drama series that he also produced under his banner, focusing on urban resilience and personal growth in underserved communities. He directed episodes that emphasized authentic storytelling, drawing from his background to infuse projects with realistic character arcs. Building on this, Riley directed episodes of the TV mini-series Brown Sugar Healing (2025), including the installment "Finding Joy," which delves into themes of emotional recovery and community bonds. These directorial works underscore his shift toward helming content that prioritizes cultural representation and inspirational messages in television formats. Throughout his producing and directing endeavors, Riley has collaborated closely with his wife, actress and producer , sharing insights and opportunities within Atlanta's vibrant film ecosystem to advance joint creative visions in independent TV and film projects. In 2020, amid the , Riley founded Dedicated Prophecy Productions LLC in , a company dedicated to developing diverse, empowering narratives through partnerships with collaborators like writers Lem Collins and Meggan Lee. The outfit has backed at least five to six projects, including The Bottom, fostering a pipeline for indie content that amplifies underrepresented voices in the Southeast's expanding production scene. His acting background has occasionally informed producing choices, such as selecting roles that align with thematic depth in ensemble-driven stories.

Other activities

Authorship

Karon Joseph Riley published his debut book, K.E.E.P. P.E.D.A.L.I.N.G.: The Things I Learned On My Bike, on July 23, 2024, through the publisher 13th & Joan. The uses as a central for personal growth and overcoming adversity, drawing on Riley's experiences as a former player and actor to illustrate broader life lessons. In the book, Riley shares heartfelt anecdotes from his bike rides, interpreting them as symbols for resilience and amid career shifts from sports to entertainment, while offering practical wisdom on perseverance, , and fatherhood. The narrative emphasizes embracing the present and pushing through obstacles, positioning the work as a guide rather than a traditional . The book has been well-received for its motivational tone and relatable insights, earning features on platforms like the Money Making Conversations Master Class , where Riley discussed its themes of and navigation. Promotional efforts included appearances on shows such as and The Kolby Kulture Show, highlighting the book's message of turning setbacks into success.

Public speaking

Karon Joseph Riley serves as a , drawing on his transitions from professional football to and producing to address themes of resilience and pivots in live presentations. His talks emphasize overcoming setbacks through , often delivered at community and empowerment-focused events. A notable engagement occurred at the Helpers Health and Community Initiative's 10th Anniversary ‘Hope for Change’ Gala in November 2024, where Riley provided a heartfelt speech on his personal victories and struggles, inspiring attendees to chase their aspirations amid challenges. In this role, he positioned himself as a mentor, embodying qualities of a big brother, , and coach to connect with the audience on practical paths to growth. Riley's core message revolves around the "Keep Pedaling" philosophy, which promotes continuous effort toward regardless of obstacles, serving as a foundational element in his speaking content. This approach has resonated widely, motivating diverse groups to embrace perseverance and self-empowerment in their own lives.

Personal life

Marriage

Karon Riley met actress while collaborating on a stage play, where he was initially drawn to her light spirit and humility. Their courtship evolved organically from friendship, engaging in meaningful conversations, during a period when Vaughn was focusing on her career after a previous . The couple wed on January 19, 2008, in a ceremony that marked the beginning of an enduring partnership. As of November 2025, Riley and Vaughn have been for over 17 years, celebrating milestones that highlight their commitment. Riley and Vaughn have shared professional collaborations, including co-starring as a couple in Tyler Perry's series Miss Governor, where Vaughn portrays Antoinette Dunkerson and Riley plays Michael, and they provide mutual support in navigating the entertainment industry. In interviews, they have openly discussed the challenges of , such as confronting stereotypes about athletes and actresses, while emphasizing the joys of consistent communication, personal growth, and daily choosing one another as sources of strength and sanctuary. Following their , the couple expanded their together.

Family

Karon Riley and his wife welcomed their son, Kal'El Joseph Riley, on April 21, 2008, just months after their wedding, marking the beginning of their shared life. This birth integrated seamlessly with Vaughn's son from a previous relationship, Daylen Ali Carolina, born in October 2001, whom Riley has raised as part of the blended since the . The couple later expanded their with the birth of their daughter, Lola Riley, on October 9, 2014. Riley has emphasized his commitment to fatherhood, viewing it as a foundational aspect of his personal growth alongside his entertainment career. He actively raises all three children—Daylen, Kal'El, and Lola—while navigating the demands of acting roles in projects like Ambitions and Saints & Sinners. In interviews, Riley has described parenting as an opportunity to address what he felt was missing in his own childhood, fostering resilience and determination in his kids through everyday guidance. Balancing his professional schedule with responsibilities remains a key focus for Riley, who often credits his role as a and for providing stability amid Hollywood's unpredictability. His 2024 Keep Pedaling explores themes of perseverance through life's challenges, drawing implicitly from his experiences as a navigating highs and priorities.

Filmography

Film

Karon Riley began his acting career in film with supporting and lead roles in independent and TV movies.
YearTitleRoleNotes
2011RoderickSupporting role in directed by .
2012TreyRole in TV drama about family and .
2013A Christmas BlessingOscarLead role in TV movie.
2013–2018Marry Me for Christmas franchise (including Marry Me for Christmas, Marry Us for Christmas, A Baby for Christmas, Merry Christmas, Baby, and Chandler Christmas Getaway)BlairRecurring lead role in series produced by Swirl Films.
2016The Last PunchLead role in biographical sports drama.
2019LittleTonySupporting role in .
2022The Holiday StockingWilson WhitlockSupporting role in Hallmark TV movie.
2023Bartender RobCameo in musical .

Television

Riley's early television work included a as a in the 2010 episode "Meet the Cheating Liver" on the TBS sitcom Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns. In 2012, he made a as a baller on VH1's Single Ladies in the episode "Eat, Play, Love." In 2013, he made a as Marty, the district health inspector, in the episode "The Black Tie Affair" on BET's Love Thy Neighbor. In 2013, he appeared in guest capacities on Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse during its run from 2011 to 2017. Also in 2013, he guest-starred as Damani Jensen in the episode "" on USA Network's Necessary Roughness. In 2018, he guest-starred on OWN's Love Is...., created by . From 2020 to 2023, Riley took on the recurring role of Malik Thompson on Bounce TV's Saints & Sinners for seasons 4 through 6, replacing Anthony Dalton in the character. In 2019, he portrayed Roderick across six episodes of 's drama series Ambitions. More recently, Riley starred as the main character Malcolm Britton in the series (2022–2024). From 2023 to 2025, Riley has had a recurring role as Michael in the comedy series Miss Governor (12 episodes).

References

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