Teair Tart Bio
Teair Tart is an American professional football nose tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 28, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tart has built a reputation as a durable and impactful interior defensive lineman. After beginning his collegiate journey at ASA College and transferring through Ellsworth Community College, he finished his college football career at Florida International University (FIU). Despite going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tart signed with the Tennessee Titans and has since become a reliable presence on the defensive line across multiple NFL teams.
Early Life and Background
Teair Tart grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending West Philadelphia High School. His upbringing in the City of Brotherly Love laid the foundation for his development as an athlete. Tart displayed the physical tools necessary for football from an early age, possessing the size and strength that would later define his position as a nose tackle in the NFL.
After high school, Tart pursued collegiate football at ASA College in New York City, where he quickly demonstrated his pass-rushing ability by recording five sacks in just six games. However, his collegiate journey was interrupted by a devastating personal tragedy when his older brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. This life-altering event led Tart to leave the ASA program temporarily.
Path to the NFL
Following the tragedy in his family, Tart enrolled briefly at Valley Forge Military Academy before transferring to East Mississippi Community College midway through his first semester. He received an offer from the University of Alabama, but the opportunity was withdrawn after Tart was cut from East Mississippi’s football team shortly before the season began. This setback forced Tart to continue searching for a program that would give him another chance.
Tart eventually found a home at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa, where he played in two games before a knee injury ended his season prematurely. Despite the injury, Tart remained determined to continue his football career. He committed to transferring to Florida International University (FIU) for the final two seasons of his NCAA eligibility, viewing it as his best opportunity to showcase his talents for NFL scouts.
During his first season with the FIU Panthers, Tart recorded 19 tackles with seven tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. He built on this performance in his second season, compiling 32 tackles with 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, and another forced fumble. These productivity metrics established Tart as a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the 2020 draft.
Teair Tart Career
Tennessee Titans (2020–2023)
Despite not being selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tart signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans on April 25, 2020. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was signed to the Titans’ practice squad the following day. Tart’s persistence paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on November 7, 2020, officially beginning his NFL career.
During his rookie season, Tart faced a one-game suspension in Week 13 for stepping on Cleveland Browns player Wyatt Teller during a game, resulting in violations of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct rules. He was reinstated from suspension on December 15, 2020, and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list shortly after, being activated on January 18, 2021. Tart appeared in 15 games as a rookie, making five starts and contributing to a Titans defense that reached the playoffs.
The Titans brought Tart back on a one-year deal on March 9, 2022. Entering the 2023 offseason as a restricted free agent, Tennessee placed a second-round tender on Tart, signaling their desire to retain him. However, the Titans released Tart on December 16, 2023, ending his four-year tenure with the organization.
Houston Texans (2023)
Just two days after being released by the Titans, Tart was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans on December 18, 2023. Joining a Texans defense in the midst of rebuilding and developing young talent, Tart provided experienced depth along the interior defensive line for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Miami Dolphins (2024)
On April 8, 2024, Tart signed with the Miami Dolphins, joining another AFC East franchise. However, his tenure with the Dolphins was brief, as he was released on August 13, 2024, prior to the regular season. This release forced Tart to seek opportunities elsewhere as he entered the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–Present)
Tart signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on August 15, 2024, just days after his release from Miami. He played in all 17 games with no starts during the 2024 season, serving as a rotational defensive tackle in the Chargers’ defensive line rotation. His durability and reliability were evident as he contributed on defense and special teams throughout the season.
The Chargers recognized Tart’s value and re-signed him on March 18, 2025. After a strong 2025 season where he started all 17 games, Tart signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension with the Chargers on January 26, 2026, securing his future with the franchise and rewarding his breakout performance.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tart operates primarily as a nose tackle, anchoring the interior of the defensive line. His 6-foot-2, 315-pound frame provides the size and power necessary to occupy double teams and stop the run. Throughout his career, Tart has demonstrated consistent productivity against both the run and pass, using his leverage and hand technique to penetrate pockets and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
Despite entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Tart has exceeded expectations by earning significant playing time and eventually securing a lucrative multi-year contract extension. His journey through multiple college programs, including the tragedy that disrupted his early collegiate career, showcases his resilience and determination. The three-year, $37.5 million extension with the Chargers represents the culmination of his perseverance from undrafted free agent to established NFL starter.
Teair Tart Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2020 to 2025, Tart has accumulated meaningful statistics across multiple seasons with four different teams. His durability has been a hallmark of his career, appearing in numerous games while contributing on defense and special teams.
NFL Statistics Summary
Across his NFL career, Tart has recorded 140 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 13 pass deflections, and two interceptions. These numbers reflect his versatility as an interior defender capable of stopping the run, rushing the quarterback, and contributing in coverage when called upon. His statistical profile demonstrates consistent contributions across multiple facets of the game.
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 140 |
| Sacks | 3.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 3 |
| Pass Deflections | 13 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
Teair Tart Family
Family Background
Tart grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending West Philadelphia High School. While limited public information is available regarding his immediate family, Tart has spoken about the profound impact of his older brother’s death during his collegiate career. The tragedy occurred while Tart was playing at ASA College and significantly altered his academic and athletic trajectory, leading to his transfer through multiple programs before finding stability at FIU.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough year for Tart with the Los Angeles Chargers. After serving as a rotational player in 2024, he earned a starting role and started all 17 games at nose tackle. His improved play and consistent availability made him a valuable asset in the Chargers’ defensive front, helping the team remain competitive throughout the season. Tart’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level throughout the entire season solidified his importance to the team’s defensive identity.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Chargers moved quickly to secure Tart’s services for the long term. On January 26, 2026, Tart signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his fit within their defensive scheme. This contract represents a significant reward for Tart’s perseverance throughout his NFL journey and validates his transformation from an undrafted free agent into a foundational piece of the Chargers’ defense.