Israel Raybon facts for kids

Israel Deshon Raybon, born on February 5, 1973, is a former American football player. He was a talented defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for two seasons. He played for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers. Israel was chosen by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of North Alabama. He also played in other leagues, including the XFL for the New York/New Jersey Hitmen and the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Grand Rapids Rampage.

Early Life and High School Football

Israel Deshon Raybon was born on February 5, 1973, in Huntsville, Alabama. He went to Lee High School in Huntsville. There, he was a star athlete in both football and basketball.

He was recognized as an all-state player in football during his junior and senior years. In his senior year, he was even named an All-American. This means he was considered one of the best high school football players in the entire country.

College Football Star

Israel Raybon played college football for the North Alabama Lions from 1992 to 1995. He played for four years and was a key player for the team. He started games as both a defensive end and a defensive tackle.

During his college career, he made 116 solo tackles and 71 assisted tackles. He also had 12.5 sacks, which is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback. Raybon set a school record by blocking nine kicks during his time at North Alabama.

He was chosen three times for the all-Gulf South Conference team. He was also named an All-American twice. In 1995, as a senior, he was named the NCAA Division II defensive lineman of the year.

The North Alabama Lions football team was incredibly successful with Raybon. They won the NCAA Division II national championship three years in a row, from 1993 to 1995. After his senior season, Israel played in two special college all-star games: the Blue–Gray Football Classic and the Senior Bowl. In 2006, he was honored by being added to the University of North Alabama's athletic hall of fame.

Playing Professional Football

Israel Raybon was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft. He was the 163rd player picked overall. He officially joined the team on July 16, 1996.

During the 1996 season, he played in three games for the Steelers. He recorded one solo tackle and one sack. His only sack with the Steelers happened during a Monday Night Football game against famous quarterback Dan Marino. He also played in one playoff game that season.

Time with the Carolina Panthers

On August 24, 1997, Raybon was traded to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers gave up a draft pick in 1998 to get him. He played in nine games for the Panthers in 1997. He made five solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and half a sack.

On November 23, 1997, he helped the Panthers win a close game against the St. Louis Rams. He deflected a pass from quarterback Mark Rypien late in the game, stopping the Rams from scoring. The Panthers won 16–10. Raybon was released by the team on December 15, 1997.

Playing in the XFL

In 2001, Israel Raybon played for the New York/New Jersey Hitmen in the XFL. He played in all ten games that season and started eight of them. He was listed as a defensive tackle for the Hitmen.

He had a good season, making 33 tackles, five sacks, and one interception.

Arena Football League Career

On December 13, 2001, Raybon signed with the Grand Rapids Rampage in the Arena Football League (AFL). The AFL had different rules, including "ironman rules," where players often played both offense and defense. Raybon played as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman.

In the 2002 AFL season, he played in 13 games and started seven. He had seven solo tackles, five assisted tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. He also broke up two passes. For his great performance, he was named to the AFL All-Rookie team.

He re-signed with the Rampage in 2003. He played in six games that year, making five solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and three sacks. He signed with the Rampage again for his final AFL season in 2004. He played in 15 games, recording seven solo tackles, six assisted tackles, and one sack. He also had three pass breakups and one interception, which he returned two yards for a touchdown!

Life After Football

After his football career ended, Israel Raybon worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security. Later, he became a car salesman.