LIONS RE-SIGN DT CORY REDDING

Allen Park, Mich.- The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed DT Cory Redding to a multi-year deal. No additional contract terms were disclosed.

Redding (6-4, 290) will enter his fifth season with the Lions who drafted him in the third-round (66th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He has played 55 consecutive games for Detroit, including 48 consecutive starts (37 at DE; 11 at DT). Detroit had designated Redding as the team's non-exclusive franchise player February 22.

In 2006, Redding emerged as one of the best inside pass-rushers in the NFL after moving from defensive end to tackle (UT; three-technique). He started the Lions first five games at left defensive end and unselfishly moved to tackle because of team injuries. Over the 11-game span he started at under tackle (beginning Week 6 vs. Buffalo; 10/22), he tied for a league-high among defensive tackles with 8.0 sacks (43.5 yards lost). Redding entered the 2006 season with 4.0 career sacks (24 yards lost) after starting 32 consecutive games at defensive end.

Redding became the starter at left defensive end prior to the 2004 season and then finished his first full season as a starter with 41 tackles (37 solo) and a career-high 3.0 sacks. Redding also forced a safety at Minnesota (11/21) when he tackled Vikings RB Onterrio Smith in the end zone. In 2005, Redding played and started in all 16 games and set a career high with 42 tackles (29 solo).

As a rookie in 2003, Redding missed the first two games due to a leg injury suffered during the preseason. He went in and out of the lineup following his return, seeing time at both defensive end and tackle along with special teams. Redding's playing time increased towards the end of the season with his most significant contribution at Kansas City (12/14) where he had a season-high four tackles (three solo).

During his four-year college career at Texas, Redding was a two-time All-Big 12 Conference selection and played in every game, including a string of 35 consecutive starts on the defensive line. He finished his collegiate career with 201 tackles (123 solos), 21 sacks (174 yards) and 53 stops (third on the school's career-record list) for losses of 249 yards.

As a senior in 1998 at North Shore High in Houston, he was named USA Today's Defensive Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American choice. That season he accumulated 215 tackles (103 solos), 15 sacks and 22 stops for losses. Redding was Parade's top linebacker in the nation as well as an Associated Press first-team All-State selection and the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He also won state titles in the discus as a junior and senior.