Whitley played for the Holy Cross Crusaders for five seasons.[1] He became a starter as a junior and used the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to Holy Cross for a fifth season.[2] Whitley finished his college career with 111 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 15.5 sacks in 42 games played.[3]
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Whitley off the Rams' practice squad to their active roster on September 21, 2022.[8] He was waived on October 12, 2022.[9] He was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad two days later.[10]
Minnesota Vikings
On October 19, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings signed Whitley off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.[11] He was waived on November 19, 2022,[12] and re-signed to the practice squad two days later.[13] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 16, 2023.[14] He was waived on August 29, 2023, and signed to the practice squad the next day.[15][16] He was elevated to the active roster on September 9, 2023, for the week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[17]
New York Giants
On November 21, 2023, Whitley was signed by the New York Giants off the Vikings practice squad.[18]
On March 15, 2024, the Giants re-signed Whitley on a one-year, $985,000 contract.[19] He was waived on October 5, and re-signed to the practice squad.