Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Kwity Paye.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Kwity Paye
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Kwity Paye (/ˈkwɪti ˈpeɪ/ KWIT-ee PAY; born 19 November 1998) is a Liberian professional American football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Guinea as a refugee of the First Liberian Civil War and immigrated to the United States as a baby. Paye played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Paye was born on 19 November 1998, to a Liberian Krahn mother in a refugee camp in Guinea in the aftermath of the First Liberian Civil War.[1][2][3][4] His mother named him Kwity after his maternal grandfather, who was killed during the war, and brought him and his brother Komotay to Providence, Rhode Island in the United States when he was six months old.[5][6]
He and his brother found an affinity for American football growing up there, with Kwity later attending Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island.[5] Playing running back and defensive end, he was named Rhode Island's Gatorade Football Player of the Year as a senior in 2016.[7] Paye originally committed to play college football at Boston College, but later switched to the University of Michigan.[5][8]
College career
[edit]As a true freshman at Michigan in 2017, Paye played in nine games and had five tackles and one sack. As a sophomore in 2018, he started four games and recorded 29 tackles and two sacks.[9] As a junior he started 11 games and finished with 50 tackles and 6.5 sacks.[10] Paye returned to Michigan for his senior year in 2020 but only played in four games due to the season being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
College statistics
[edit]| Year | GP | Tackles | Fumbles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Total | Loss | Sack | FR | FF | ||
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 10 | 21 | 6 | 27 | 5.5 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 12 | 26 | 24 | 50 | 12.5 | 6.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 28 | 59 | 38 | 97 | 23.5 | 11.5 | 0 | 1 |
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 2+1⁄2 in (1.89 m) |
261 lb (118 kg) |
33 in (0.84 m) |
10 in (0.25 m) |
4.52 s | 1.54 s | 2.61 s | 6.37 s | 35+1⁄2 in (0.90 m) |
9 ft 10 in (3.00 m) |
36 reps | ||
| All values from Michigan's Pro Day[12] | ||||||||||||
Paye was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round (21st overall) of the 2021 NFL draft.[13] He signed his four-year rookie contract on 6 May 2021.[14] In his rookie season, he finished with four sacks, 32 total tackles (16 solo), one pass defended, and one forced fumble.[15] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[16]
In the 2022 season, Paye appeared in 13 games. He finished with six sacks and 45 total tackles (32 solo).[17]
In 2023, Paye started 16 games, recording 52 tackles and finished second on the team with 8.5 sacks.[18][19]
In 2024, the Colts exercised the fifth-year option on Paye's rookie contract, extending him through the 2025 season.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ Grossman, Hallie (24 April 2021). "Meet the NFL draft's most extraordinary prospect, Kwity Paye". ESPN.com. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
- ^ Wenzel, Matt (20 January 2017). "Born in a refugee camp, Michigan commit Kwity Paye now living his dream". mlive.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Scandura, Mike (18 December 2015). "An incredible journey for Bishop Hendricken's Kwity Paye". ESPN.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Sang, Orion (11 October 2019). "Kwity Paye escaped civil war. Now he stars for Michigan football". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Kwity Paye has come further than most in his journey to Michigan (Video). College GameDay. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
- ^ Sang, Orion (11 October 2019). "Kwity Paye escaped civil war. Now he stars for Michigan football". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Kwity Paye named Gatorade R.I. Football player of the year". Providence Journal. 12 December 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Koch, Bill (24 October 2016). "Hendricken football star Kwity Paye commits to Michigan". Providence Journal. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ McMann, Aaron (26 December 2018). "Kwity Paye ready to step up at DE for Michigan". mlive.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Chengelis, Angelique S. (7 August 2020). "'I'm playing': Michigan's Kwity Paye resolute about tackling 2020 season despite COVID risk". The Detroit News. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Sang, Orion (26 December 2019). "Michigan football DE Kwity Paye returning for senior season". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Fox, Austin (26 March 2021). "Kwity Paye Put On A Show At Michigan's Pro Day This Morning". Maize&BlueReview. Rivals.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Stankevitz, JJ (29 April 2021). "Colts Select Defensive End Kwity Paye With 21st Pick In NFL Draft". Colts.com. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
- ^ Stankevitz, JJ (6 May 2021). "Colts Sign 5 2021 NFL Draft Picks". Colts.com. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- ^ "Kwity Paye 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "2021 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Kwity Paye 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Kwity Paye 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "2023 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ Erickson, Joel A. (2 May 2024). "Colts exercise DE Kwity Paye's fifth-year option for the 2025 season". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports
- Indianapolis Colts bio
- Michigan Wolverines bio
Kwity Paye
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Family background and immigration
Kwity Paye was born on November 19, 1998, in a refugee camp in Guinea to Agnes Paye, a member of the Krahn ethnic group from Liberia whose family had fled the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1997).[6] His mother, Agnes, fled Liberia on foot through war zones as a young girl after rebels killed her father, seeking safety amid the violence that claimed over 200,000 lives.[2] Agnes first found temporary refuge in Sierra Leone, where Komotay was born, but escalating conflict from the spillover of Liberia's wars and regional instability forced her to relocate to Guinea, where she gave birth to Kwity under dire conditions in the camp.[2] The family's ordeal continued as the Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003) further destabilized the region, prompting Agnes to prioritize escape for her children's survival.[2] In 1999, when Kwity was nine months old, the family immigrated to the United States, sponsored by Agnes's grandmother, who lived in Rhode Island, allowing them to leave the refugee camps behind.[2] They settled in Providence, where they initially resided in subsidized Section 8 housing amid economic hardships, marking the end of their direct exposure to West African conflict but the beginning of adaptation to a new life.[2] Agnes, as a single mother raising four sons—including Kwity's older brother Komotay Koffie and two younger brothers—worked multiple low-wage jobs, such as in nursing homes, to provide stability while instilling values of resilience, respect, and education in her children.[7] She often reminded them, "Make sure you always be respectful; make sure you always put your best foot forward," emphasizing perseverance drawn from her own sacrifices during the wars and immigration.[2] This family dynamic fostered a strong sense of unity and determination, with Agnes prioritizing her sons' opportunities in America despite ongoing challenges like poverty and cultural adjustment in Providence.[2]High school career
Kwity Paye attended Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, beginning as a freshman in 2013 and graduating in 2017.[8] Under head coach Keith Croft, he initially explored various sports including basketball, track, soccer, and baseball, but shifted his focus to football during his sophomore year in 2014, recognizing his physical attributes suited the sport.[9] Paye played both ways as a defensive end and tight end, contributing significantly to the team's success while developing his athleticism through track events like the 4x100-meter relay, where he helped secure a state championship.[8] As a junior in the 2015 season, Paye began emerging as a two-way star, but his senior year in 2016 marked a breakout, during which he recorded 65 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks on defense.[8] Offensively, he added rushing production, including four touchdowns and 14 tackles in the state championship game, a 48-28 victory over La Salle Academy that clinched Hendricken's 13th Division I title.[10] His performance earned him All-State honors, the Gatorade Rhode Island Football Player of the Year award, and a spot in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game after winning the fan vote.[11][12] Paye's high school achievements drew recruiting interest from multiple programs, including initial offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, and Toledo, leading to an early commitment to Boston College in 2015.[13] However, after receiving an offer from Michigan in September 2016—partly influenced by new defensive coordinator Don Brown's prior recruitment of him at Boston College—Paye flipped his commitment to the Wolverines on October 24, 2016, and signed in February 2017.[14][15] This decision capped his recruitment as a three-star prospect ranked among Rhode Island's top talents.[16]College career
University of Michigan
Paye enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2017 as a true freshman defensive lineman, where he quickly adapted to the college level despite limited playing time early on.[3] In his debut season, he appeared in eight games, primarily in rotational duty, recording 5 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack.[17] As a sophomore in 2018, Paye's role expanded significantly, appearing in all 13 games with a focus on pass rushing from the defensive end position; he tallied 28 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.[3] His development continued into his junior year in 2019, when he earned a starting role for all 12 games, leading the team with 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, along with one fumble recovery; notable performances included 10 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss at Penn State.[17] For his breakout campaign, Paye received second-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and third-team from the media, and he was named co-recipient of the Richard Katcher Award as Michigan's top defensive lineman.[8] The 2020 season, shortened to eight games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Paye limited to four appearances as a senior, yet he started each one and led the team defensively with 16 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.[17] That year, he also earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition, Academic All-Big Ten honors for his performance in Afroamerican and African Studies, and served as a team captain.[3][8] Following the season, he declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, forgoing potential additional eligibility.[3] Across his four active seasons at Michigan, Paye amassed 99 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks, evolving from a reserve contributor to a cornerstone of the defensive line known for his relentless pursuit and leadership.[17]College statistics
Kwity Paye played defensive end for the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Conference from 2017 to 2020, accumulating statistics that highlighted his development as a pass rusher, particularly in his junior year breakout with 6.5 sacks.[17] The following table summarizes his year-by-year defensive statistics:| Year | Games | Solo | Ast | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 18 | 10 | 28 | 5.5 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 26 | 24 | 50 | 12.5 | 6.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 16 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Total | 37 | 56 | 43 | 99 | 23.5 | 11.5 | 1 | 0 |
Professional career
NFL draft and rookie season
Paye was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft on April 29, 2021.[18] He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $13,644,833, fully guaranteed, including a signing bonus of $7,283,515. Measuring 6 feet 2 inches tall and 261 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, Paye entered the draft projected as a top-15 selection, with scouts highlighting his explosive athleticism, quick first step, and high-upside pass-rushing ability despite limited college production.[19] His leadership as a team captain at Michigan further elevated his draft stock among evaluators.[20] In his 2021 rookie season, Paye appeared in 15 of the Colts' 17 games, starting all 15 outings while rotating on the defensive line.[21] He recorded 32 total tackles (16 solo), 4.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, contributing to Indianapolis' pass rush alongside veterans like Justin Houston.[22] Paye made his NFL debut on September 12, 2021, against the Seattle Seahawks, where he logged two tackles in a 28-16 loss, but he did not notch his first regular-season sack until November 14, 2021, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he brought down quarterback Trevor Lawrence for a 9-yard loss.[21] Paye's transition to the pros included overcoming an ankle sprain sustained during training camp on August 11, 2021, which briefly sidelined him but allowed a full recovery before the regular season. He also adapted to the increased speed and complexity of NFL competition, as evidenced by his delayed sack production early in the year, though coaches praised his versatility in both edge and interior roles as a foundation for growth.[23]Indianapolis Colts tenure
Paye entered his second NFL season in 2022 as a key rotational player on the Colts' defensive line, appearing in 12 games with 12 starts while recording 45 total tackles and a career-high 6.0 sacks at the time.[1] His performance marked significant growth from his rookie year, contributing to the team's pass rush alongside veterans like Yannick Ngakoue.[4] In 2023, Paye emerged as a breakout star, starting all 16 games and posting career bests of 52 tackles and 8.5 sacks, the second-most on the team.[1] That year, he also received a special invitation to attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address as a guest of U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner, representing his journey from a refugee camp in Guinea to the NFL as an embodiment of the American dream.[24] Paye's production continued to rise in 2024, where he started 15 games, tallying 41 tackles and 8.0 sacks while anchoring the edge opposite Dayo Odeyingbo.[1] The Colts exercised his fifth-year option in May 2024, securing his services through the 2025 season at a fully guaranteed $13.4 million.[25] Through the first 10 games of the 2025 season as of November 20, Paye has started nine contests, notching 19 total tackles and 3.0 sacks, including a standout 2.0-sack performance against the Arizona Cardinals on October 12.[1][26] His ongoing contributions have solidified his role as a cornerstone of Indianapolis's defensive front.Professional statistics
Kwity Paye, primarily playing as a defensive end with occasional snaps at outside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, has compiled the following NFL regular season statistics through the 2025 season (as of November 20, 2025).[1]| Season | Games (G/GS) | Tackles (Comb/Solo/Ast) | Sacks | QB Hits | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15/15 | 32/16/16 | 4.0 | 10 | 1 |
| 2022 | 12/12 | 45/32/13 | 6.0 | 10 | 0 |
| 2023 | 16/16 | 52/31/21 | 8.5 | 9 | 2 |
| 2024 | 15/15 | 41/29/12 | 8.0 | 12 | 1 |
| 2025 | 10/9 | 19/9/10 | 3.0 | 6 | 0 |
| Career Totals | 68/67 | 189/117/72 | 29.5 | 47 | 4 |