As a true freshman in 2009, Gaffney played in 12 games, rushing for 87 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown. As a sophomore in 2010, he played in 10 of 13 games, missing three games due to injury. He finished the season with 255 yards on 60 carries and four touchdowns. As a junior in 2011, he played in 13 games rushing for 449 yards on 74 carries with seven touchdowns. After spending a season playing professional baseball, he returned to the team in 2013.[3][4] Gaffney had an outstanding year in 2013. He started in 14 games finishing with 330 rushing attempts, 1709 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns.[5]
Gaffney was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 204th pick in the 2014 NFL draft.[8] While he was originally slated to compete for the third running back spot on the roster with second-year runner Kenjon Barner, on July 26, 2014, Gaffney went down with a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee during training camp. As a result of the injury, he was waived by the Panthers.[9]
New England Patriots (first stint)
On July 28, 2014, Gaffney was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots.[10] On August 26, 2014, Gaffney was placed on injured reserve. Gaffney won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots after they defeated the defending champion Seattle Seahawks 28–24.[11]
Gaffney was waived by the Patriots on August 12, 2015.[12] Since he went unclaimed, he and his contract through 2016 reverted to the Patriots. Gaffney was placed on injured reserve on August 13.[13]
In order to revise Gaffney's contract, the Patriots released Gaffney on April 11, 2016; after clearing waivers, he was re-signed on April 14.[14]
On September 3, 2016, Gaffney was waived/injured by the Patriots and was placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers.[15] On September 9, 2016, he was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement.[16]
On October 17, 2016, he was re-signed to their practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on October 29, 2016.[17][18] On November 10, 2016, Gaffney was waived by the Patriots and was re-signed to the practice squad two days later.[19][20]
On February 5, 2017, Gaffney won his second Super Bowl championship when the Patriots won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[21][22]
On February 7, 2017, Gaffney signed a futures contract with the Patriots.[23] On March 20, 2017, Gaffney was released by the Patriots.[24]
Jacksonville Jaguars
On August 2, 2017, Gaffney was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.[25] He was waived/injured by the Jaguars on August 11, 2017, and placed on injured reserve.[26]
After his football career had been derailed by injuries, Gaffney announced his retirement in March 2018 to resume his professional baseball career.[27] Gaffney had a tryout with the Houston Texans on August 20, 2020.[28]
San Francisco 49ers
On December 22, 2020, Gaffney signed with the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers.[29] He was released on January 6, 2021.[30]
New England Patriots (second stint)
On May 21, 2021, Gaffney signed with the Patriots.[31] He was released on August 10, 2021.[32]
Gaffney returned to baseball for the 2018 season after moving on from the NFL, joining the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league affiliate Bradenton Marauders. In 89 games between the Pirates' High-A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona affiliates, he batted .244 with six homers and 36 RBIs.[34][35]
He retired from baseball on February 23, 2019.[36]
Personal life
Gaffney is married to Kristen Rorie, they have two sons and a daughter.[37]