Nick Fairley

Nicholas Lachester Fairley (born January 23, 1988) is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Auburn University, was recognized as an All-American, and was a member of a BCS National Championship team. He was drafted by the Lions in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Early years
Fairley was born in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Williamson High School in Mobile, where he was a two-way lineman and also lettered in basketball. Regarded as a three-star prospect, he was projected as an offensive guard. He committed to Auburn, but could not qualify academically.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Fairley attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College from 2007 to 2008. After being redshirted in 2007, he played in seven games in 2008. He recorded 63 tackles and seven sacks.

Auburn University
Fairley transferred to Auburn University, where he played for the Auburn Tigers football team in 2009 and 2010. He finished the 2009 season with two starts in 13 games and recorded 28 tackles. In 2010, he became the 2nd player from Auburn to win the Lombardi Award. He was coached by Lombardi winner and former Auburn player Tracy Rocker, and became the first player to win the Lombardi and be coached by a winner of the award.

During the 2011 BCS National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks, Fairley had five tackles, three behind the line of scrimmage, a sack and a forced fumble earning the defensive player of the game award.

2011 NFL Draft
Only four days after his dominant performance in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, Fairley decided to forgo his final year of eligibility, entering the 2011 NFL Draft. He was initially projected to go first overall, but disappointed with his measurements at the combine; listed at 6-5 and 300 pounds at Auburn, he checked in at only 6-3 and 291 lb. After the combine, he was projected in the 8-12 range. Fairley eventually was drafted by the Detroit Lions at 13th overall.

Detroit Lions
Fairley signed a 4-year contract with the Detroit Lions July 28, 2011. The contract is 4-years worth $10 million with a $5.7 million signing bonus.

On April 3, 2012, Fairley was arrested in Mobile, Alabama for marijuana possession. The charges were dismissed in December 2012.

On May 27, 2012, Fairley was arrested by Alabama State Troopers for driving under the influence and attempting to elude police. He was also ticketed for reckless driving, having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle and no proof of insurance.

In the 2012 NFL Season, Fairley improved his 2nd Season by recording 5.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 26 tackles

However, on December 12, 2012, Fairley was put on the injured reserve list, ending his season.