Greg Hardy #76 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images/AFP
Troubled former Dallas Cowboys player Greg Hardy is targeting a future in mixed martial arts after repeated brushes with the law have left him struggling to rebuild his NFL career, reports said Tuesday.
The former defensive end has been training at a gym in Dallas and hopes to make his MMA debut as a heavyweight some time in 2017, he told MMAfighting.com.
“I’m very focused and excited to start my MMA career,” Hardy told the website. “I’m going to do this the right way, I can assure you of that.”
The 28-year-old had hoped to return to the NFL this year but his career has been left in jeopardy after further off-field problems.
Hardy, who was suspended in 2015 for domestic violence following an incident in which he allegedly battered his ex-girlfriend, was arrested on felony possession of a controlled substance in Texas last month.
Hardy played for Dallas last season and registered 35 tackles, six sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in 12 games.
The Cowboys opted against extending Hardy’s deal, and although the player underwent anger-management therapy to tackle his personal demons, no other franchise opted to take a chance on him during the close season.