Denico Autry

PRO: Seeking a physical and disruptive defensive lineman, the Titans signed Denico Autry as an unrestricted free agent from the rival Indianapolis Colts early in the 2021 offseason. Prior to his arrival in Tennessee, the 6-foot-5-inch, 285-pounder amassed 216 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 50 tackles for loss in his first seven NFL campaigns (2014-20) with the Oakland Raiders and Colts. Autry has made an immediate impact with the Titans during his first two seasons (2021-22) leading the team with 17 sacks and ranking second on the squad with 89 quarterback pressures. Autry, a former rookie free agent, offers an impressive combination of size, athleticism and power on the defensive front and also excels on special teams where he has recorded 10 career blocked kicks.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
•   In 2022, Autry saw action in 12 games and led the team with eight sacks and a career-best 45 quarterback pressures.
•   In 2021, Autry enjoyed a stellar first season with the Titans, playing in all 17 games and ranking second on the team with a career-best tying nine sacks and third on the squad with a then career-high 44 quarterback pressures.
•   In 2020, Autry collected 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits in 14 games with the Colts.
•   In his first campaign with the Colts in 2018, Autry led the squad with a career-best nine sacks to go along with 13 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
•   In 2015, Autry led the NFL with three blocked kicks on special teams, posting the most blocks in a season by a single player since 2011. He has 10 career blocked kicks (six extra point attempts, three field goals and one punt).

TITANS TIDBITS:
•   Coming out of Albemarle (N.C.) High School, Autry did not have the collegiate opportunities he initially desired and attended East Mississippi Community College (EMCC). The football program has been featured in a popular Netflix documentary series titled, Last Chance U, which focuses on players' last chance to prove themselves to Division I programs. Autry played for EMCC from 2010-11 and helped the Lions to a 12-0 season and an NJCAA national championship title while being named an NJCAA Football All-America first-team selection his sophomore year. Following his career at EMCC, Autry signed with Mississippi State amid offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, Southern California and Texas among others.
•   Denico's brother, Lee, played defensive line at EMCC before transferring to Mississippi State as well. He signed with the Chicago Bears as a rookie free agent in 2020 and also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders during his rookie campaign.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
•   The Albemarle, N.C., native was originally signed by the Oakland Raiders as a rookie free agent on May 20, 2014.
•   Waived by the Raiders on Aug. 30, 2014 and signed to the team's practice squad two days later.
•   Signed by the Raiders to their active roster from the team's practice squad on Oct. 25, 2014.
•   Signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2018.
•   Signed by the Titans as an unrestricted free agent on March 19, 2021.

COLLEGE:
•   Played in 26 games with 23 starts for Mississippi State and finished his two-year Bulldogs career with 73 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles. Spent his first two collegiate seasons at East Mississippi Community College where he was an NJCAA All-American and national champion.
•   As a senior (2013), started all 13 games for the Bulldogs. Finished second on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss. Collected 31 tackles, two sacks and eight quarterback hurries.
•   As a junior (2012), signed with Mississippi State and played in all 13 games with 10 starts. Tallied 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Came on strong in the final four games of the season, totaling four tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hurries, one interception and a pass breakup.
•   Attended East Mississippi Community College during his first two collegiate seasons (2010-2011) and collected 141 total tackles, 16.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
•   As a sophomore (2011), helped lead Lions to 12-0 record, state championship and NJCAA national title. Named 2011 NJCAA Football All-America first team after posting 81 tackles with 13 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and 41 quarterback hurries. Also credited with four pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles.

PERSONAL:
•   Attended Albemarle (N.C.) High School, where he was a standout two-way player at defensive end and tight end.
•   As a senior, led Albemarle to a 12-2 record and totaled 142 tackles, nine sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
•   Named the All-SNAP Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the Rocky River Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Played in the NCAA East-West All-Star game.
•   Born Denico Autry on July 15, 1990 in Albemarle, N.C.