Ray attended Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, where he played football and competed in track.

[2] After being shown interest by programs such as Notre Dame, Kansas and Wisconsin, he ultimately decided to accept a scholarship to Missouri.

[3] After redshirting in his first season, he made 16 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, in 12 games as a backup defensive end for the Tigers.

In 2013, played in all 14 games, recording 39 tackles, including nine for loss, and 4.5 sacks despite backing up Kony Ealy and Michael Sam.

[5] He cooled off towards the end of the season, but he still finished with 65 tackles, 22.5 tackles-for-loss and 14.5 sacks, breaking the record of 11.5 that was owned by both Michael Sam and Aldon Smith.

[8] Ray was prevented from participating in drills at the NFL Combine due to a foot injury similar to turf toe that he obtained during the 2015 Citrus Bowl, however many doctors said surgery is not needed.

Originally holding the 28th pick, Denver traded Manny Ramirez, along with two of their fifth-round selections to the Detroit Lions to move up 5 spots.

[25] In 2023, Ray suffered a torn bicep late in the season and was on the injured list when the team won the 109th Grey Cup championship.

[27] On May 12, 2023, Ray was invited to the Bills' minicamp for a tryout, and was later signed to a deal, reuniting with former Broncos teammate Von Miller.