Chris’ NFL journey began in 2005 when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fourth round of that year’s NFL Draft. He dropped out due to the knee injury he suffered as a senior and retinal detachment in his left eye caused in the spring before the draft, after starting his senior season as a likely first-round pick.
To advance, the Cowboys dealt the Philadelphia Eagles their 2005 fifth-round pick and a 2006 fourth-round pick. Canty and the Cowboys agreed to a three-year, $1.3 million contract. Canty appeared in the season opener for the San Diego Chargers and made his first NFL quarterback tackle and pressure.
He added his first career sack against the Washington Redskins with a Mark Brunell third quarter kit. He replaced Ellis at right end against the New York Giants to make his first NFL start, finishing with four tackles. Later, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he started a second time and led all defensive linemen with five tackles despite spraining his ankle during the game.
Canty led all defensive linemen with five tackles and a tackle for a loss in the season finale against the St. Louis Rams. To stay with the team in 2008, Canty agreed to a one-year, $2.017 million term sheet. For the third straight year, he made all 16 starts, recording 37 tackles, three sacks and a career-high five deflected passes. Canty signed a six-year, $42 million contract with the New York Giants on March 1, 2009, with $17.25 million guaranteed.
In the team’s 4-3 defense at the time, he was named the starting right defensive lineman, but knee and hamstring injuries caused him to miss eight games. He reached career highs in tackles and sacks in 2011. Canty and the Giants took the field in Super Bowl XLVI after the 2011 campaign. He played early on as the New York Giants defeated the Patriots of New England 21-17.
Canty was placed on the physically unable to perform list on August 27, 2012, when it was found that his recovery from off-season knee surgery would take longer than expected. On February 6, 2013, the Giants released him as part of a salary cap measure. He missed five games in 2014 with ankle and wrist infections. On February 27, 2015, the Ravens released him, only to resign on March 18, 2015. He concluded his NFL career with Ravens and began working as a pundit for ESPN.
