Lucita Lehr

Written by Lucita Lehr

Published: 27 Oct 2025

28-facts-about-denico-autry
Source: Nbcsports.com

Who is Denico Autry? Denico Autry is a professional football player known for his versatility and impact on the field. Born on July 15, 1990, in Albemarle, North Carolina, Autry has made a name for himself in the NFL as a defensive end. He played college football at Mississippi State before going undrafted in 2014. Despite this, he signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he began his professional career. Autry later joined the Indianapolis Colts and currently plays for the Tennessee Titans. Known for his relentless work ethic and ability to disrupt offenses, Autry continues to be a key player in the league.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Denico Autry's journey to the NFL is filled with interesting moments and achievements. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

  1. Born on July 15, 1990, in Albemarle, North Carolina, Denico Autry grew up in a small town with a population of just over 15,000 people.
  2. Autry attended Albemarle High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball, showcasing his athletic versatility.
  3. Despite his talents, Autry was not heavily recruited out of high school and had to attend East Mississippi Community College to continue his football career.
  4. At East Mississippi, Autry helped lead the team to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championship in 2011.

College Career

Autry's college career was a significant stepping stone that paved the way for his professional journey. Here are some key highlights from his time in college.

  1. After two successful years at East Mississippi, Autry transferred to Mississippi State University to play for the Bulldogs.
  2. During his time at Mississippi State, Autry played in 26 games and recorded 73 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and six sacks.
  3. Autry's performance in college earned him an invitation to the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, where he showcased his skills to NFL scouts and coaches.

NFL Journey

Denico Autry's path to the NFL was not straightforward, but his perseverance paid off. Here are some notable facts about his professional career.

  1. Despite his impressive college career, Autry went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft but was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Raiders.
  2. Autry made his NFL debut on September 7, 2014, against the New York Jets, marking the beginning of his professional career.
  3. In his rookie season, Autry played in 10 games and recorded 13 tackles and one sack.
  4. Autry's breakout season came in 2016 when he played in all 16 games and recorded 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
  5. In 2018, Autry signed a three-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, where he continued to excel as a defensive lineman.
  6. During his first season with the Colts, Autry recorded a career-high nine sacks, earning him recognition as one of the team's top defensive players.
  7. Autry's performance in 2018 earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 14 after recording three sacks and forcing two fumbles against the Houston Texans.

Personal Life

Beyond the football field, Denico Autry has a life filled with interesting aspects and personal achievements. Here are some facts about his personal life.

  1. Autry is known for his charitable work and community involvement, often participating in events to support underprivileged youth.
  2. He has a close-knit family and often credits his mother for being his biggest supporter and inspiration throughout his career.
  3. Autry is a father and enjoys spending time with his children, often sharing moments of their lives on social media.
  4. In his free time, Autry enjoys fishing, a hobby he picked up during his childhood in North Carolina.

Achievements and Records

Denico Autry's career is marked by numerous achievements and records that highlight his impact on the field. Here are some of his notable accomplishments.

  1. Autry has recorded over 30 sacks in his NFL career, showcasing his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently.
  2. He has also forced multiple fumbles and recovered several, demonstrating his knack for making game-changing plays.
  3. Autry's versatility allows him to play both defensive end and defensive tackle, making him a valuable asset to any defensive line.
  4. In 2021, Autry signed a three-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, continuing his successful NFL career.
  5. During his first season with the Titans, Autry recorded nine sacks, helping the team secure a playoff berth.

Fun Facts

To round out our list, here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Denico Autry.

  1. Autry's nickname is "Big Nique," a moniker given to him by his teammates for his imposing presence on the field.
  2. He is a fan of classic cars and enjoys restoring and collecting them in his spare time.
  3. Autry has a tattoo of a bulldog on his arm, a tribute to his time at Mississippi State University.
  4. He is an avid gamer and often streams his gameplay on platforms like Twitch, connecting with fans and fellow gamers.
  5. Autry's favorite food is barbecue, a nod to his Southern roots and love for traditional Southern cuisine.

Final Thoughts on Denico Autry

Denico Autry's journey from undrafted free agent to NFL standout is nothing short of inspiring. His resilience, hard work, and talent have made him a key player on the field. Autry's versatility, playing both defensive end and tackle, showcases his adaptability and skill. His impact isn't just measured in stats but also in the leadership and determination he brings to his team. Off the field, Autry's commitment to community service highlights his character and dedication to giving back. Whether you're a football fan or not, his story is a testament to what can be achieved with perseverance and passion. Keep an eye on Denico Autry; his career is far from over, and there's no telling what heights he'll reach next.

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