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Greg Hardy
A former defensive wing of los Dallas Cowboys and one time NFL Pro Bowler brings his physical qualities to the boxing ring.
It’s not uncommon for former NFL players to take up combat sports, with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Marcus Jones and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Austen Lane both turning to mixed martial arts. after finishing their races. However, no former NFL player has made more noise than Greg Hardy.
Hardy played in the NFL from 2010 to 2015, spending his final season in Dallas. The arrest and conviction of the controversial player for domestic violence in May 2014 was the beginning of the end of his career in the NFL, and Hardy made the transition to mixed martial arts.
His time in the UFC, which will be explained in greater detail later, has not gone according to plan. Now, Hardy is transitioning to boxing and has a fight in October with the promotion he is fighting under, Black Sheep Promotions.
“GREG HARDY October 8th‼️ At Black Sheep Promotions,” the company shared with an image of Hardy.
As reported by Stephen McCaugherty de Heavy, Hardy’s opponent and other details have not been announced. The fight will take place at the Delray Tennis Center in Delray Beach, Florida.
Hardy also referenced the announcement with a message and post on Instagram.
“When you have the dream in your sights and all you have to do is pull the trigger. #dreamchaser”, Hardy wrote.
Hardy starts in MMA after finishing his NFL career
25 sacks over two seasons in 2012 and 2013 made Hardy one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, but his domestic violence arrest cut short his career before the 2014 season. The Panthers opted not to re-sign Hardy due to concerns. because of his character, but owner Jerry Jones and Dallas they were ready to take chances on the defensive end.
Paying Hardy $11.3 million for one season, the running back totaled six sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in 12 games, according to PFR. While it wasn’t abysmal, the Cowboys determined it wasn’t worth the money or the controversy. Since then, Hardy has not had any official activities in the NFL and focused on MMA.
After starting out at the amateur level, Hardy eventually signed with UFC president Dana White’s Contender Series and won his first two fights in the promotion. However, in his first billed fight in the UFC in 2019, Hardy was disqualified for an illegal knee.
Over the next few years, Hardy would go 4-5 in UFC fights, with his last two fights being first-round knockout losses. His professional MMA record at the moment is 7-5.
Former Cowboys player chooses to box after ‘reevaluating’
After his last fight in the UFC in March ended with another first-round knockout, Hardy spoke out on social media. In addition to apologizing for his performance, Hardy actually joked about a possible trade.
“First of all, I’m fine for those who want to know,” Hardy wrote. “There are no excuses, I have to improve. I don’t know what else to do but say sorry. Better things will come for the Prince of War, I just have to fix my things. Thanks to the @ufc and @danawhite for being in my corner. Thank you coaches and training partners and agents @firstroundmgmt. Everybody did their job except me. It’s my fault and there are no excuses for not having lived up to it. I refuse to die, but I definitely have to reevaluate.”
It seems that his reassessment leads him to the boxing ring, although he will start from scratch like he did in MMA. Despite that, the former Cowboys defensive end continues its winding path through professional sports.
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