Selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month (November 2023)
Has started 28-of-29 career games he has appeared in, recording 55 tackles (22 for loss), 30 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed.
Has started all three career postseason games he has played, tallying seven tackles (three for loss), two quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and one pass defensed.
Was 1-of-2 players in the NFL to record a quarterback hit in 10+ consecutive games during the 2024 season.
Led the Buccaneers in sacks in 2024 with 7.5.
Finished tied for second among all rookies in 2023 with 10 tackles for loss.
Started and played 54-of-76 defensive snaps in the Week 1 victory in Atlanta. Generated two quarterback pressures and absorbed 14 double-team blocks, per Next Gen Stats.
In the Week 2 win at Houston, started and played 15 defensive snaps before leaving due to injury. Recorded one tackle for loss.
Was placed on Injured Reserve prior to the Week 3 win over the New York Jets.
Was activated from Injured Reserve prior to the team's Week 18 win over Carolina. Played 28-of-51 defensive snaps in Week 18, recording one quarterback hit.
Born Calijah Demetrius Kancey on March 1, 2001.
Mother is Schquinina Smith.
Has three sisters and one brother.
After signing his rookie contract, he purchased a house and a car for his mother.
Ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the fastest time for a defensive tackle at the event since 2003.
Majored in Administration of Justice at Pittsburgh.
