Ayers began at the University of Tennessee as a redshirt outside linebacker in 2004.[5][6] As a sophomore, he moved to defensive end and was a backup, recording five tackles and one sack. In 2006, he once again was a backup, totaling 25 tackles and one sack. In 2007, Ayers was once again a backup, but led the team with four sacks and 12 tackles for losses. He also had 34 tackles, two pass breakups and four quarterback pressures. As a senior in 2008 Ayers became a starter at right defensive end, recording 49 tackles, three sacks, one interception, and a team and league leading 15.5 tackles for losses.[7][8]
Ayers was selected by the Denver Broncos as the second one of their two first round picks at 18th overall of the 2009 NFL draft.[11] The Broncos drafted Ayers with the first round pick that was traded from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Jay Cutler. On August 4, 2009, Ayers signed a five-year contract with $9.7 million guaranteed.[12] In his rookie season, he recorded 19 tackles and no sacks.[13] He recorded his first professional sack in week 1 of the 2010 season against David Garrard of the Jacksonville Jaguars.[14]
Ayers's second season was a bit of a disappointment to fans who were hoping for high production from the former first-round draft selection. In 2010, Ayers started in ten games as an outside linebacker and recorded 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks.[15]
Ayers finished the 2011 season with three sacks, 39 total tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.[16] He had two sacks against the Steelers in the Wild Card Round victory.[17]
Ayers began the 2012 season as a backup under new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. He had two sacks and 16 total tackles in 15 games.[18]
In the 2013 season, Ayers had 5.5 sacks, 29 total tackles, and one forced fumble in 15 games and three starts.[19] In the AFC Championship, he had one sack in the 26–16 win over the Patriots.[20] The Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII, but fell to the Seattle Seahawks, 43–8.[21] Ayers recorded one tackle in the game.[22]
New York Giants
Ayers signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the New York Giants on April 2, 2014.[23] He was placed on season ending injured reserve on December 2, 2014, after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.[24] In the 2014 season, he had five sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 12 games and one start.[25] In 2015, Ayers set a career record for sacks and led all Giants players in that category with 9.5 sacks despite missing four games.[26][27]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On March 12, 2016, Ayers agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[28] On September 11, Ayers recorded a sack in his Buccaneers debut, bringing down Matt Ryan in a 31–24 win over the Atlanta Falcons.[29] Ayers was sidelined for five weeks due to an ankle injury.[30][31] On November 13, he recorded a season-high 1.5 sacks and five tackles, as well as forcing fumble in the end zone, resulting as a safety in a 36–10 blowout win over the Chicago Bears.[32] Ayers wrapped up his first year as a Buccaneer with 6.5 sacks, 29 tackles, and a forced fumble.[33]
On October 22, 2017, Ayers brought down his first sack of the season, dropping Tyrod Taylor in a 27–30 loss to the Buffalo Bills.[34] On November 5, Ayers recorded a strip-sack against the New Orleans Saints.[35] He missed Week 12 & 13 due to a concussion.[36][37] Ayers played two more games, but missed the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.[38] He finished the season with two sacks, 31 tackles, and two forced fumbles.[39]
On March 17, 2018, Ayers was released by the Buccaneers.[40]
Detroit Lions
On August 27, 2018, Ayers signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions,[41] but was released the next day.[42]
Retirement
After sitting out the entire 2018 season, Ayers announced his retirement on July 16, 2019.[43]
