Gregory McKarl Hardy (born July 28, 1988) is an American mixed martial artist and former American football defensive end. He played college football at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Hardy was named to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro following the 2013 NFL season in which he recorded a career high 15 sacks. Hardy's 15 sacks in 2013 is currently the Carolina Panthers single season franchise record. Hardy also played for the Dallas Cowboys. On July 15, 2014, Hardy was found guilty of assaulting an ex-girlfriend, and sentenced to 18 months probation as well as being suspended for 10 games by the NFL (the suspension was reduced to 4 games after arbitration). Hardy appealed his conviction, and the case was dismissed after the victim failed to appear in court to testify, but Hardy's arrest and trial were the focus of considerable controversy.