Former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody could face jail time after being convicted of animal neglect.

The 27-year-old free agent has been found guilty of multiple misdemeanours in relation to neglect of his dog, Taz, after the animal died in January.

Cody was acquitted of the two most serious charges against him, of aggravated animal cruelty, but was convicted of five other counts after prosecutors said the Canary mastiff had starved to death.

His defence attorney Joe Murtha argued during the trial that although his client had been neglectful, he had not intentionally tortured or killed the dog.

Cody, who was also found guilty of illegally possessing and neglecting an alligator, faces the possibility of more than a year of jail plus fines at his sentencing, which is scheduled for January 5.