YaYa Diaby is an American professional football linebacker born on May 30, 1999.
He plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL).
Diaby attended North Clayton High School and later played college football at Georgia Military College and the University of Louisville.
He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 82nd overall pick.
As a rookie, Diaby played in all 17 regular season games, starting seven, and finished with 38 total tackles, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
Parents
YaYa’s parents are Mariama and Mohamed Diaby.
They are from Guinea, a West African country, and have played a significant role in shaping his NFL career by instilling a strong work ethic and values such as not taking opportunities for granted.
Mariama, in particular, has been influential in teaching YaYa the importance of perseverance and dedication.
Career
Diaby started his college football journey at Georgia Military College, a junior college known for developing talented players.
During his two years there, he demonstrated his potential by recording 77 tackles and seven sacks.
This early success helped him gain recognition as a three-star prospect.
Diaby was ranked as the No. 21 JUCO player nationally, which attracted attention from several Division I programs.
He decided to transfer to the University of Louisville to continue his football career at a higher level.
At Louisville, Diaby played from 2020 to 2022 and appeared in 34 games.
He accumulated 94 tackles, with 19.5 of those being for a loss, and 10.5 sacks.
His performance showcased his ability to disrupt offenses and make impactful plays.
During his time at Louisville, Diaby not only improved his skills but also became a leader on the team. His experience and maturity were key factors in his development as a player.
Diaby was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a rookie, he played in all 17 regular season games, starting seven.
He finished the season with 38 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
His rookie performance was impressive, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to the NFL level.
Diaby’s versatility and athleticism allowed him to contribute in various roles for the Buccaneers.
He was used in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations, showcasing his potential to be a key player in the team’s defense.
With his strong rookie season, Diaby is expected to continue growing and becoming a more integral part of the Buccaneers’ defense.
His work ethic and dedication are likely to help him achieve even greater success in the NFL.