Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by Carolina on 5/12/23. Released by the Panthers on 8/29/23 and re-signed to the practice squad on 8/30/23. Signed to Carolina's active roster on 11/13/23 and was released on 9/17/24. Re-signed to the Panthers practice squad on 9/19/24 and was released on 9/24/24. Signed to the Steelers practice squad on 10/1/24 and signed a futures contract with the Steelers on 1/14/25. Released by Pittsburgh on 8/26/25. Signed to the Saints practice squad on 9/2/25 and was released by New Orleans on 11/25/25. Signed to Arizona's practice squad on 12/2/25.
2025: Appeared in three contests with New Orleans while also spending time on the Saints and Cardinals practice squads … saw game action vs. NYG (10/5) and posted a special teams tackle … played on special teams vs. TB (10/26) and @ LAR (11/2).
2024: Played three games (one start) with Carolina and Pittsburgh and recorded five tackles, including three for loss, a sack and one QB hit … appeared in the Panthers season opener @ NO (9/8) and had a career-high four tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack of Derek Carr … made first career start at linebacker vs. LAC (9/15) … made first appearance with the Steelers and had one tackle @ LV (10/13).
2023: Played in eight games as a rookie and recorded three tackles, one QB hit and had one special teams tackle … made NFL debut vs. Hou (10/29) … posted two tackles on defense and a special teams tackle @ Chi (11/9) … recorded a tackle vs. Dal (11/19).
In five seasons at Northwestern (2018-20) and Auburn (2021-22), played 36 games and recorded 66 tackles (45 solo), 25 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, one pass defensed and three forced fumbles … appeared in five games his final season at Auburn in 2022 and had 18 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks before a season ending injury … in 2021, played 13 games and had 23 tackles (15 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks and one forced fumble … as a sophomore in 2020 at Northwestern, saw action in eight games and earned third team All-Big Ten honors after posting 13 tackles (10 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and one forced fumble … appeared in 10 games in 2019 and recorded six tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed and a forced fumble … did not play in any games as a true freshman in 2018.
Name pronounced "EK-oo/lee-OH-tuh" … attended Asheville (NC) High School where he recorded 56 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks as a senior … finished his high school career as the school's all-time sack leader … also played tight end and hauled in 12 passes for 267 yards and a touchdown … named a three-star prospect and top 25 player in North Carolina by ESPN and 24/7 Sports … selected as a finalist for the NC Shrine Bowl … earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from Northwestern.
