James Gayle (linebacker)

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James Gayle (born February 15, 1991) is a former American football linebacker who played college football at Virginia Tech. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, where he shined as a defensive end, earning second-team All-Peninsula District honors as a senior.

At Virginia Tech, Gayle redshirted in 2009. He played from 2010 to 2013, earning second-team All-ACC honors in 2011 and 2012. He finished his college career with 138 tackles, 40.5 for loss, and 22 sacks. He started all 13 games in 2013, posting strong numbers and receiving conference honorable mention.

Gayle was not drafted in 2014, despite a solid combine, largely due to a shoulder injury from his senior year. He signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent on May 12, 2014, and had shoulder surgery on June 12, 2014. He later signed a futures contract with Washington on January 3, 2015, but was waived/injured in May and then placed on injured reserve. Washington waived him on June 1, 2016. His uncle, Shaun Gayle, was a Pro Bowl safety for the Chicago Bears.