Cory Durden Bio
Cory Durden (born January 26, 1999) is an American professional football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently a member of the New England Patriots, where he wears jersey number 94. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 305 pounds, Durden has built his career as an interior defensive presence after beginning his professional journey as an undrafted free agent.
Born and raised in Newberry, Florida, Durden played college football for the Florida State Seminoles before transferring to the NC State Wolfpack, where he earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) recognition. He has since spent time with the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Giants before landing in New England, where he reached the Super Bowl in his first active season with the team.
Early Life and Background
Cory Durden was born on January 26, 1999, in Newberry, Florida, a small community in Alachua County. He grew up in the same town and attended Newberry High School, where he developed into one of the most productive two-way players in the region. In his senior season, Durden recorded 52 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal on defense. On offense, he added 22 receptions for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns as a tight end, showcasing the athleticism that would later draw college attention.
His dominant senior year earned him several regional honors, including the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s District 7 Player of the Year and recognition as a Small School Athlete of the Year by The Sun. On February 20, 2016, Durden committed to play college football at Florida State University, choosing the Seminoles over other suitors.
Path to American Football
Durden’s path to the NFL began with a three-year stint at Florida State, where he joined the Seminoles in 2018. He appeared in games from 2018 through 2020, developing into a reliable interior defender. Across his Florida State career, he posted 68 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. His most productive Seminoles season came in 2019, when he totaled 39 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
After the 2020 season, Durden decided to transfer to North Carolina State to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted during the COVID-19 era. Over two seasons with the Wolfpack, he recorded 58 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass deflection. On December 9, 2022, following his senior season at NC State, Durden declared for the 2023 NFL draft.
Cory Durden Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Durden’s college career began at Florida State, where he spent the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons with the Seminoles. Working primarily as a defensive tackle, he gradually expanded his role, growing into a starter by his second year. His 2019 breakout, which included five sacks, established him as a player with NFL-caliber tools, even as the Seminoles cycled through defensive schemes and coaching changes.
Following the 2020 campaign, Durden entered the transfer portal and committed to NC State. The move allowed him to step into a larger role and to play closer to his Florida home, while also providing a fresh start to refine his pass-rushing technique against top competition in the ACC.
NC State Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Durden’s two seasons at NC State represented his most decorated college stretch. In 2021, he played a major role on a strong Wolfpack defensive line, finishing the year with 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. That performance earned him First-team All-ACC honors, the highest individual recognition of his college career.
In 2022, Durden returned as a key veteran on the NC State defensive front. He posted 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass deflection on the way to Third-team All-ACC recognition. His two years in Raleigh helped solidify his profile as a disruptive interior defender, even as he was not selected in the 2023 NFL draft.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
After being released by the New York Giants as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, Durden signed with the New England Patriots practice squad on August 28, 2025. He was promoted to the active roster on September 6, 2025, and quickly worked his way into the defensive rotation along the interior line.
Durden’s first significant moment in a New England uniform came on the league’s biggest stage. He started in Super Bowl LX, a 29–13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. As of the 2025 season, he has continued to provide depth and run-defense support for the Patriots’ front seven.
Notable Events and Milestones
Durden’s most significant career milestone came in February 2026, when he started in Super Bowl LX as a member of the New England Patriots. The appearance marked his first Super Bowl and reinforced the long road he traveled from undrafted free agent in Detroit to championship-stage contributor. Earlier, his First-team All-ACC selection in 2021 stood as the highest pre-professional recognition of his career.
Cory Durden Family
Personal Life
Cory Durden was born and raised in Newberry, Florida, where he continues to maintain ties to the local community. Public information about his immediate family is limited, and he has kept most details of his personal and family life private. He is known to focus on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Durden’s 2025 campaign was a story of perseverance and opportunity. He entered the year with the New York Giants before being released late in the preseason. Within two days, he joined the New England Patriots practice squad, and a week later he was elevated to the active roster. He went on to start in Super Bowl LX, anchoring a portion of the Patriots’ defensive line against the run and contributing on early-down passing situations.
On the year, Durden’s defensive role grew steadily as he earned the trust of the Patriots’ coaching staff. His combination of size, strength, and prior experience in multiple defensive schemes made him a valuable piece of a New England front that emphasized physicality at the line of scrimmage.
Looking ahead, Durden is expected to remain a part of the Patriots’ defensive rotation as the team builds around its young core. With multiple seasons of NFL experience now under his belt, his 2026 outlook points toward an expanded role, potentially competing for a starting nose tackle position.