Overview
Cory Bartholomew Redding is a former professional American football defensive lineman. He was born on November 15, 1980, in Houston, Texas. Over a lengthy National Football League career he played multiple front‑line defensive positions, earning a reputation for versatility, physical strength and consistency on the defensive front.
Early life and college
Redding grew up in the Houston area and rose through the local high school football ranks before enrolling at the University of Texas. At Texas he developed the combination of size, athleticism and technique that made him an NFL prospect. He played on the Longhorns' defensive line and was noted for his ability to play inside and on the edge, traits that attracted professional scouts and led him to declare for the NFL Draft.
Draft and professional career
Redding entered the 2003 NFL Draft and was selected in the third round by the Detroit Lions with the 66th overall pick. He broke into the league as a young lineman capable of lining up at both defensive end and tackle. Redding spent the first portion of his career with the Lions, then continued his career with the Seattle Seahawks, the Baltimore Ravens, and later the Indianapolis Colts. Throughout his time in the NFL he adapted to different defensive schemes and coaching staffs, contributing regularly as a starter and veteran presence.
- Teams: Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts.
- Typical roles: defensive end, defensive tackle; valued for flexibility across the line.
- Jersey numbers worn during his career included 78, 94 and 93.
Playing style
Redding was known for a blend of power and technique that suited both interior and edge line play. He was often tasked with setting the edge against the run, occupying blockers to free teammates, and generating pressure on the quarterback when called upon. Coaches and teammates praised his work ethic and his ability to transition between roles without a dramatic drop in effectiveness.
Contributions and recognition
While not typically a headline grabber, Redding's career is an example of how mid‑round draft picks can enjoy long, productive NFL careers through adaptability and consistency. He provided veteran leadership in locker rooms and was the kind of dependable lineman that teams rely on to stabilize defensive fronts. His experience across multiple franchises gave him a broad perspective on professional defensive play.
After football and legacy
Following his playing days, many former players with Redding's profile remain involved in football communities, youth coaching, or charitable activities; Redding's professional journey from a major college program to a sustained NFL career is often cited when discussing positional versatility and longevity. For season‑by‑season details, official team pages and league records remain the primary sources: Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and broader information on the NFL.
Researchers and fans seeking biographical specifics, game logs or statistical summaries can consult team archives and reputable sports databases that maintain historical player records and rosters. These resources provide context for Redding's role in the league across the 2000s and early 2010s, and illustrate the pathways available to defensive linemen who combine versatility, technique and durability.
For further background on his career milestones and the teams he represented, see team histories and draft retrospectives: draft date reference, birth year reference, and institutional profiles at the University of Texas.