Challenges Faced by Greg Hardy: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Greg Hardy. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Greg Hardy is an American athlete known for his careers in both American football and mixed martial arts. He played as a defensive end in the NFL for six seasons, most notably with the Carolina Panthers. Following his NFL career, Hardy transitioned to mixed martial arts and boxing, marking a career shift to combat sports.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2009: Second Foot Surgery

In January 2009, Greg Hardy underwent a second surgery on his right foot during the off-season.

July 12, 2009: Car Accident and Foot Injury Aggravation

On July 12, 2009, Greg Hardy was involved in a car accident with Dexter McCluster and aggravated his foot injury.

2010: NFL Draft Stock Falls

In 2010, Greg Hardy's draft stock fell due to injuries, poor production, and an unimpressive combine.

November 9, 2012: Fined for Roughing the Passer

On November 9, 2012, Greg Hardy was fined $15,750 for a roughing the passer penalty.

2012: Recorded 11 Sacks Despite Injury

In 2012, Greg Hardy recorded 11 sacks despite sustaining a broken thumb in September.

May 13, 2014: Arrested for Assault

On May 13, 2014, Greg Hardy was arrested for assault and communicating threats.

September 14, 2014: Hardy Deactivated

On September 14, 2014, Greg Hardy was deactivated from the team.

September 17, 2014: Placed on Exempt List

On September 17, 2014, Greg Hardy was placed on the exempt list by the league.

2014: Controversy and Departure from Panthers

In 2014, Greg Hardy played one game with the Panthers and was not re-signed due to controversy surrounding assault allegations.

March 2015: Panthers Decision Not to Re-Sign Hardy

In March 2015, the Carolina Panthers decided not to re-sign Greg Hardy due to off-field issues.

April 22, 2015: NFL Suspends Hardy

On April 22, 2015, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Greg Hardy for 10 games.

July 10, 2015: Suspension Reduced

On July 10, 2015, an arbiter reduced Greg Hardy's suspension from ten games to four games.

2015: Suspension for Violating NFL Personal Conduct Policy

In 2015, Greg Hardy was suspended for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. The initial 10-game suspension was reduced to 4 games.

September 26, 2016: Arrested for Cocaine Possession

On September 26, 2016, Greg Hardy was arrested for cocaine possession in Dallas, Texas.

January 19, 2019: UFC Debut and Loss via Disqualification

On January 19, 2019, Greg Hardy made his UFC debut against Allen Crowder and lost via disqualification due to an illegal knee strike.

November 9, 2019: UFC Fight

On November 9, 2019, Greg Hardy faced Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night 163, losing by unanimous decision.

March 28, 2020: Fight Postponed Due to Covid-19

On March 28, 2020, Greg Hardy was scheduled to face Yorgan De Castro. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.

December 19, 2020: UFC Fight

On December 19, 2020, Greg Hardy faced Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night 183. He lost the fight in the second round via technical knockout.

July 10, 2021: UFC Fight

On July 10, 2021, Greg Hardy faced Tai Tuivasa at UFC 264 and lost the fight via knockout in round one.

January 22, 2022: UFC 270 Bout Removal

On January 22, 2022, Greg Hardy was scheduled to fight Aleksei Oleinik at UFC 270, but Oleinik withdrew. Serghei Spivac was to replace him, but Hardy withdrew due to a finger injury, removing the bout from the event.

March 5, 2022: Loss to Spivac at UFC 272

On March 5, 2022, Greg Hardy fought Serghei Spivac at UFC 272, losing the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

February 17, 2023: Bare-Knuckle Debut Loss

On February 17, 2023, Greg Hardy made his bare-knuckle debut against Josh Watson at BKFC KnuckleMania 3, losing the fight by knockout in round 2.

June 2, 2023: Knockout Loss to Alexander Flores

On June 2, 2023, Greg Hardy was knocked out by Alexander Flores in an exhibition round with Team Combat League boxing promotion, marking his first loss since joining the Dallas Enforcers boxing team.