Tyler Matakevich Bio
Tyler John Matakevich is an American professional football linebacker known for his consistent tackling ability and leadership on special teams. Since being drafted in 2016, he has played for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills, developing a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and reserve linebacker.
Early Life and Background
Matakevich was born on December 22, 1992, in Stratford, Connecticut. He attended St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Connecticut, where he played both linebacker and running back on the football team. His versatility was evident as he accumulated impressive statistics with 2,357 rushing yards, 1,355 receiving yards, and 3,898 all-purpose yards on offense, along with 371 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and eight interceptions on defense during his high school career. After breaking his foot during his senior year, he attended Milford Academy for a year before committing to Temple University.
Path to American Football
Matakevich began his college football career at Temple University in 2012. His impact was immediate as he became the first freshman in school history to record 100 tackles in a season. Throughout his collegiate career, he established himself as one of the most consistent defensive players in college football, becoming only the seventh player in FBS history to record 100 tackles in all four seasons. His senior year was particularly remarkable as he led Temple to the inaugural American Athletic Conference Championship and received numerous national awards that were firsts for Temple football.
Tyler Matakevich Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Matakevich was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. He signed a four-year, $2.40 million rookie contract and began his professional career as a backup inside linebacker to Ryan Shazier. In his rookie season, he appeared in all 16 games, recording 20 combined tackles. His role expanded in 2017 when he blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown during the season-opening victory over the Cleveland Browns, showcasing his special teams abilities.
Buffalo Bills Breakthrough (2020-2023)
In 2020, Matakevich signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, where he would spend the next four seasons. During this time, he became almost exclusively a special teams player, demonstrating his value in coverage units on kickoffs and punts. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was named a team captain for three seasons. He signed contract extensions in 2021 and 2023, indicating his value to the organization despite primarily contributing on special teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2016-2019, 2024-Present)
Matakevich returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, signing a one-year contract. His second stint with the team reunited him with his original franchise. As a veteran player with experience in both the Steelers and Bills systems, he provides depth at linebacker and special teams while mentoring younger players on the roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Matakevich is known for his tackling consistency and football intelligence. As a special teams specialist, he excels in coverage units and has demonstrated the ability to make game-changing plays, such as his blocked punt in 2017. His understanding of defensive schemes and special team responsibilities makes him a valuable asset despite not being a starter at linebacker.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Matakevich has achieved significant milestones in both college and professional football. In college, he became the first Temple player to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2015. Professionally, he has been a consistent contributor on special teams for multiple playoff teams, including the Steelers’ 2016 playoff appearance and the Bills’ multiple postseason runs during his tenure.
Tyler Matakevich Career Wins
Matakevich has been part of winning organizations throughout his professional career, contributing primarily through special teams play and occasional defensive snaps. His teams have made multiple playoff appearances during his NFL career.
NFL Highlights
As a special teams captain with the Buffalo Bills, Matakevich helped lead the team to four consecutive winning seasons from 2020-2023. His special teams contributions were instrumental in the Bills’ success, including their AFC East division titles during this period. While his individual statistics on defense are modest (136 career tackles, 1 interception), his impact on special teams has been significant for the teams he has played for.
College Achievements
During his collegiate career at Temple, Matakevich amassed numerous awards and honors, including being named a consensus All-American in 2015. His most significant achievement was leading the Owls to their first American Athletic Conference Championship in 2015, which was also the first conference championship in Temple football history in over three decades.
Tyler Matakevich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Information about Matakevich’s family background, including parents and potential sports lineage, is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Matakevich maintains an active presence on social media with accounts on Twitter (@44_matakevich) and Instagram (@matakevich_8), where he shares insights into his football career and personal interests. He is not married and does not have children according to publicly available information.
2025 Season Performance
For the 2025 season, Matakevich continues with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract signed in 2024. As a veteran special teams player, he is expected to continue his role as a leader on special teams units while providing depth at linebacker. His experience with both the Steelers and Bills organizations makes him a valuable asset in the locker room. With the Steelers looking to improve their special teams performance, Matakevich’s consistency and football knowledge could prove crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.