Foley was also a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets of the National Football League, and the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

[2] After Foley's brother left when he was 14, he was expected to take over farm duties for the family but started to play football, at Paul Dwyer High in Oshawa.

In his senior year, Foley was a Second team CIS All Canadian and during his college career with the Lions, he was twice named to ALL OUA honours.

[10] Foley was also interviewed that same morning by Vancouver radio station the Team 1040 where he discussed his return to the Lions.

"When I chose B.C., it was like that's the team that I've won a Cup with, winning Canadian Player of the Year, leading the league in sacks, with my boys out there and the staff.

After the Grey Cup game, Foley was awarded the Dick Suderman Trophy as its "Most Valuable Canadian" player.

In his first season with the Roughriders Foley accumulated 45 tackles and 8 quarterback sacks: He also had a career high 4 fumble recoveries.

[12] In his 10th season in the CFL Foley played in 16 games collecting 48 tackles 6 quarterback sacks and 1 forced fumble.

On March 31, 2017, the Argos released Ricky Foley, one day before he was set to earn a roster bonus on April 1.

Prior to his release the Argos requested that Foley restructure his contract for the upcoming season, but failure to do so resulted in his dismissal.