Kwity Paye

BIOGRAPHY

Kwity Paye is a standout name in the National Football League (NFL). Having been born in the midst of the First Liberian Civil War, Paye’s journey to professional American football is nothing short of remarkable. This Liberian-born athlete, who now plays as a defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts, has overcome a wealth of challenges to emerge as one of the most promising talents in the league.

Kwity was born on 19th November 1998, to a Liberian Krahn mother, in a refugee camp in Guinea, during the turbulent times that followed the Liberian Civil War. He was named Kwity in honor of his maternal grandfather, who tragically lost his life in the war. At a tender age of six months, he, along with his brother Komotay, was brought by their mother to Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States, far away from the life they knew.

Growing up in Providence, Kwity and his brother found themselves drawn towards American football. This passion found Kwity attending Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he played with distinction as a running back and defensive end. His performance was so exceptional that in his senior year in 2016, he was named Rhode Island’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year.

After high school, Kwity made the decision to join the University of Michigan, despite having first committed to Boston College. His freshman year at Michigan in 2017 saw him register five tackles and one sack in the nine games he played. In his sophomore year in 2018, he not only started four games but also improved his tally to 29 tackles and two sacks.

Paye’s ascent continued into his junior year where he started 11 games and completed the season with 50 tackles and an impressive 6.5 sacks. Though he returned to Michigan for his senior year in 2020, his on-field appearances were limited to just four games due to the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notwithstanding the limited game time in his senior year, Paye’s talent and potential were clearly recognized by the Indianapolis Colts who selected him in the first round (21st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Subsequently, he signed his four-year rookie contract on 6 May 2021.

In his debut year, Paye played with the perseverance and skill that had been his hallmark throughout his college career, going on to register four sacks, 32 total tackles (16 solo), a pass defended, and one forced fumble. These outstanding performances earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Building on his rookie year, during the 2022 season, Paye upped his game by finishing with six sacks and 45 total tackles (32 solo) in 13 games. In 2023, he not only started in 16 games but also managed to record 52 tackles and finished second on the team with 8.5 sacks.

Going into 2024, the Colts recognized Paye’s significant potential and exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, ensuring that he would continue to be a crucial part of their defence through the 2025 season. Thus, from his humble beginnings as a Liberian refugee, Kwity Paye continues to carve out a name for himself in the enthralling world of professional American football.