Darnell Autry

Harrington Darnell Autry (born June 19, 1976) is a former American football player. Currently, he is an actor, a radio show host and an entertainment producer.

Football Career

- Northwestern University

Darnell Autry was one of the best running backs in Northwestern history. He played three seasons of football as a Wildcat (1994, 1995, 1996 seasons). Autry left as the school's all-time leader in yards (3,793) and points scored (222). Darnell was a 2007 Inductee into the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame.

-- 1995 Season

His memorable sophomore season is still talked about today; he helped lead the team to a Big Ten Championship and the 1996 Rose Bowl, in which he scored three touchdowns against the USC Trojans. During the same season, Autry was recognized as a Heisman Trophy finalist, appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine and was honored as the team's Most Valuable Player. That appearance in the '96 Rose Bowl was the program's first bowl appearance since the 1948 season. Autry ran for 1,785 yards during the '95 season, a Big Ten-best that year and the second-most ever in a season by a Northwestern Wildcat.

-- 1996 Season

During the 1996 season, Autry helped the Wildcats become Co-Big Ten Champions and play in the Citrus Bowl. He also finished seventh in that season's Heisman Trophy race. Autry ran for 1,452 yards during the '96 season, the third-most ever in a season by a Northwestern Wildcat.

- National Football League

The Chicago Bears selected Autry at 105th overall in the 1997 National Football League Draft. With the Bears, Autry gained over 300 yards and scored a touchdown. In his 2000 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Autry recorded 334 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 24 receptions, 275 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. The Eagles finished 11-5 and 2nd in the N.F.C. East during that 2000 season.

Entertainment Career

With perhaps as strong of an interest in entertainment as he had in football, Autry turned his energy to his passion for the arts. He returned to Northwestern University and completed his degree; he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from the School of Communication. He also continued to develop his craft as an actor and appeared in a variety of productions, including The District and What I Like About You.

In August, 2011, Autry launched a radio show, Outside the Spotlight, on the Voice America Sports Channel. Autry co-hosts the show, which focuses on what the sports and entertainment stars of the past are up to today. The show airs weekly on Fridays at 5 PM Pacific / 7 PM Central.