Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lee moved to New Albany, Ohio during his sixth grade and attended New Albany High School, where he played as a quarterback, wide receiver, safety, and return specialist and led his team to an appearance in the state semifinals as a senior, where they lost to Trotwood-Madison High School, 33–32.
In his junior year, Lee helped the Eagles compile a 9–3 record, as the regional semifinalist also captured the Ohio Capital Conference title.
As a senior, Lee concentrated on quarterback and secondary duties, helping lead the Eagles to an 11–3 record, including a 7–0 mark as the Division II State Final Four choice captured the regional and Ohio Capital Conference titles.
He was named first-team Associated Press Division II All-state as he accounted for over 1,700 yards of offense and 21 touchdowns and recorded five interceptions.
[11][12] On January 2, 2016, Lee announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2016 NFL draft through a statement released via Twitter.
[18] On March 11, 2016, Lee participated at Ohio State's pro day, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills.
He attended pre-draft visits with multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings.
[31] Head coach Todd Bowles named Lee a backup inside linebacker to begin the regular season, behind starters David Harris and Erin Henderson.
[32] He made his professional regular season debut in the Jets’ season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded six combined tackles in their 23–22 loss.
On September 25, 2016, Lee recorded six combined tackles and was credited with half a sack during a 24–3 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 3.
[39] Lee entered training camp slated as a starting inside linebacker after the Jets opted not to re-sign Erin Henderson.
[46] He started in the Jets’ season-opener at the Detroit Lions and recorded seven combined tackles, a career-high three pass deflections, made two interceptions, and returned one for his first career touchdown in during their 48–17 victory.
Lee made his first career interception off a pass attempt by Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, that was originally intended for running back Theo Riddick, and returned it for a 36-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
[50] Lee was a member of the Super Bowl LIV winning Chiefs, who defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–20, though he was inactive for the game itself.
On June 4, 2017, Lee was involved in a verbal altercation with a woman at the Governors Ball Music Festival on Randall's Island.