Denico Autry

Denico Autry (born July 15, 1990) is an American former professional football defensive end. He played college football at East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State, and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Raiders in 2014.

Early life Autry played high school football for the Albemarle High School Bulldogs of Albemarle, North Carolina. He finished his senior season with 104 solo tackles, 38 assists, 9.0 sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He was named the All-SNAP Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the Rocky River Conference Defensive Player of the Year and played in the NCCA East-West All-Star game.

College career Autry first played college football for the East Mississippi Lions of East Mississippi Community College, helping lead the Lions to a 12–0 record, state championship and NJCAA national title. He was named 2011 NJCAA Football All-America First-team.

Oakland Raiders

Autry was signed by the Oakland Raiders of the NFL on May 20, 2014, after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut on October 2, 2014, against the Cleveland Browns, recording two tackles. He played in ten games for the Raiders in 2014, accumulating thirteen combined tackles.

Autry was offered a restricted free agent tender after the conclusion of the 2017 season. He officially signed his tender on April 17, 2017.

Indianapolis Colts On March 14, 2018, Autry signed a three-year, $17.8 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 14, Autry recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles in a 6–0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He followed that performance week two, with a pair of sacks in a 24–21 upset win over the Houston Texans, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Autry finished the 2019 season with 32 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 14 games played. Autry sat out the last two games of the season after suffering a concussion in Week 15 of the season.

Autry made his return from injury in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. During the game, Autry recorded his first two sacks of the season on Gardner Minshew in the 27–20 loss. In Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, Autry recorded two sacks on Matthew Stafford during the 41–21 win. Autry was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 20, 2020, and activated on December 3.

In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills, Autry sacked Josh Allen 1.5 times and forced a fumble during the 27–24 loss.

Tennessee Titans

On March 18, 2021, Autry signed a three-year, $21.5 million deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In 2023, Autry set a career-high and team-leading 11.5 sacks, 50 tackles, and two forced fumbles.

Houston Texans On March 15, 2024, Autry signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans. On July 29, Autry was suspended six games for violating the NFL's performance–enhancing drug policy. Upon returning, he made 10 appearances (two starts) for the team, recording three sacked and 13 combined tackles.

Autry began the 2025 season on the PUP list due to a knee injury. He was activated for his season debut on October 20, 2025.

Career statistics

NFL

College Year Team Class Position GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles Solo Ast Total Loss Sack Int Yards Avg TD PD FR Yards TD FF 2012 Mississippi State Junior DE 13 28 14 42 9.5 4.0 1 27 27.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2013 Mississippi State Senior DE 12 14 17 31 6.6 2.0 0 0 0.0 0 3 0 0 0 1