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.[1][2] On February 20, 2016, Durden committed to play football at Florida State University.[3][4]
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.[5] 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.[6] After the 2020 season concluded, Durden decided to transfer to NC State.[7][8] 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.[5] 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).[9][10] In 2022, he was named Third team All-ACC after notching 27 tackles, 2.5 going for a loss, and a pass defelction.[11][12]
On December 9, Durden declared for the NFL draft.[13]
On September 19, 2023, Durden signed with the practice squad of the Los Angeles Rams.[17] He was promoted to the active roster on October 19.[18] Durden was waived by the Rams on November 7,[19] but re-signed with the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024.[20]
Durden was waived on August 28, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.[21]
New York Giants
On December 2, 2024, Durden was signed by the New York Giants off of the Rams' practice squad.[22]