Cory Durden

Cory Durden (born January 26, 1999) is an American football defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State and NC State.

Early years
Durden grew up in Newberry, Florida and attended Newberry High School. In his senior season, he had 52 tackles, 18 going for a loss, 6 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal. He also added 22 catches for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns as a tight end on offense. Durden was named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association's District 7 Player of the Year and The Sun's Small School Athletes of the Year. On February 20, 2016, Durden committed to play football at Florida State University.

College career
Durden played three years at Florida State. In his time with the Seminoles he posted 68 tackles, 13.5 going for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. His best season for the Seminoles occurred during the 2019 season where he totaled 39 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. After the 2020 season concluded, Durden decided to transfer to NC State. Durden played at NC State for 2 years, in those years he totaled 58 tackles, 7.5 going for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass deflection. His best year for the Wolfpack happened during the 2021 season where he put up 31 tackles, 4.5 being for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. For his efforts he was named to the First team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In 2022, he was named Third team All-ACC after notching 27 tackles, 2.5 going for a loss, and a pass defelction.

On December 9, Durden declared for the NFL draft.

Detroit Lions
After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Durden signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 29, 2023.

Los Angeles Rams
On September 19, 2023, Durden signed with the practice squad of the Los Angeles Rams. He was promoted to the active roster on October 19. Durden was waived by the Rams on November 7, but re-signed with the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024.