Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Bio
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end who has played in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons. He played college football for the Washington Huskies and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. He has also played for the Cleveland Browns and currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.
Early Life and Background
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was born in Seattle, Washington, on April 30, 1999. He grew up in nearby Renton, Washington, where he attended Hazen High School. During his time at Hazen, Tryon-Shoyinka was a multi-sport athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football. His standout performance came during his senior year when he was named regional defensive lineman of the year by The Seattle Times.
As a three-star defensive end recruit, Tryon-Shoyinka originally committed to play college football at Washington State. He later changed his commitment and chose to attend the University of Washington over offers from Eastern Washington, Oregon, and Utah. His decision to join the Washington Huskies marked the beginning of his development as a collegiate athlete.
Path to American Football
At the University of Washington, Tryon-Shoyinka redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adapt to the college-level program and training regimen. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 12 games and recorded 20 tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack. This initial playing time provided him with valuable experience against collegiate competition.
His breakthrough came during his redshirt sophomore season when he established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line. He recorded 41 tackles with 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks, earning Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors. Following the Pac-12’s announcement to postpone the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tryon-Shoyinka made the decision to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft rather than play in a shortened season.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021–2024)
Tryon-Shoyinka was selected in the first round with the 32nd overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were the defending Super Bowl champions at the time. He signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $11 million, on June 22, 2021. Joining a championship-caliber team provided him with an opportunity to learn from experienced players while contributing to a winning culture.
Throughout his four seasons with the Buccaneers, Tryon-Shoyinka developed into a consistent presence on the defensive line. He appeared in 55 games over four seasons, steadily increasing his production and establishing himself as a reliable option in the pass rush rotation. His versatility allowed him to line up in various positions along the defensive line, contributing to both the running game and passing situations.
On April 30, 2024, the Buccaneers declined the fifth-year option on Tryon-Shoyinka’s contract, making him a free agent following the 2024 season. This decision marked the end of his tenure with the organization that drafted him and set the stage for his transition to a new team.
Cleveland Browns (2025)
On March 12, 2025, Tryon-Shoyinka agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year contract worth $4.75 million. This move represented a fresh start with a new defensive scheme and team culture. He appeared in eight games for Cleveland, recording nine combined tackles during his brief stint with the franchise.
Chicago Bears (2025–Present)
On November 4, 2025, Tryon-Shoyinka was traded to the Chicago Bears along with a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026. The trade provided him with an opportunity to join a Bears team looking to strengthen their defensive front. He signed a contract extension through the 2026 season, securing his place with the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tryon-Shoyinka has established himself as a versatile defensive end with the ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive line. His 6-foot-5 frame and 259-pound build give him the size to set the edge against the run while maintaining the quickness to pressure the quarterback. His background playing multiple sports in high school contributed to his hand coordination and body control, which translate to his effectiveness as a pass rusher.
Notable Events and Milestones
Tryon-Shoyinka’s career highlights include being selected 32nd overall in the 2021 NFL draft by a Super Bowl champion franchise, earning Second-team All-Pac-12 honors during his collegiate career, and signing multiple NFL contracts including a $11 million rookie deal and a $4.75 million free agent contract. His transition from college to the NFL with a championship-caliber team provided invaluable experience early in his professional career.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has accumulated significant statistical achievements across five seasons with three different franchises. His career totals reflect his consistent production as a defensive end in the NFL.
NFL Highlights
In 55 career games with the Buccaneers, Browns, and Bears, Tryon-Shoyinka has recorded 160 total tackles, 15 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and eight pass deflections. His 15 career sacks demonstrate his ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing passing attacks at a consistent level throughout his career.
College Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, Tryon-Shoyinka earned Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors during his redshirt sophomore season at Washington in 2019. That year he recorded 41 tackles with 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks, showcasing the production that made him a first-round NFL draft selection.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Family
Family Background
While specific details about Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s family background are not extensively documented in public sources, his athletic background includes participation in multiple sports during high school, suggesting a supportive environment that encouraged his development as a multi-sport athlete.
Personal Life
Tryon-Shoyinka maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his football career. He has demonstrated resilience throughout his professional career, navigating transitions between multiple NFL teams while continuing to contribute on the field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Tryon-Shoyinka, who began the year with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Chicago Bears in November. His early-season production with Cleveland included nine combined tackles in eight appearances, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute at the NFL level despite the change in defensive systems.
The mid-season trade to Chicago provided him with a fresh opportunity with a franchise invested in building a competitive roster. His ability to quickly adapt to new defensive schemes and contribute in limited opportunities showcased his versatility and football intelligence. The Bears’ acquisition of Tryon-Shoyinka reflected their commitment to strengthening their defensive line rotation.
Looking ahead, Tryon-Shoyinka’s contract extension through the 2026 season secures his place with the Chicago Bears organization. His experience playing for multiple franchises has equipped him with diverse perspectives on defensive schemes and team cultures. As he continues his career in Chicago, he aims to increase his statistical output and establish himself as a more prominent contributor within the Bears’ defensive front.