Khyiris Tonga Bio
Khyiris Tonga is an American professional football nose tackle who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 7, 1996, in West Valley City, Utah, Tonga has built a reputation as a reliable run defender capable of occupying valuable space on the defensive line. He entered the NFL after a successful college career at Brigham Young University and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional career, Tonga has demonstrated versatility and durability, appearing in games for multiple franchises while contributing primarily as a nose tackle in defensive alignments.
Early Life and Background
Khyiris Tonga grew up in West Valley City, Utah, where he attended Granger High School. During his high school years, Tonga developed his skills as a defensive lineman, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the trenches. His performance at the high school level caught the attention of college scouts from multiple programs across the country. After completing high school, Tonga initially committed to play for the University of Utah before making a significant decision that would shape his collegiate future.
Path to Professional Football
Tonga ultimately chose to flip his commitment from Utah to Brigham Young University after Kalani Sitake, formerly the defensive coordinator at Oregon State, was named as the new head coach of the BYU Cougars. His decision to join BYU came during a period when Tonga was serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wichita, Kansas, demonstrating his strong religious convictions and commitment to his faith. This experience shaped his character and prepared him for the discipline required at the collegiate and professional levels. At BYU, Tonga developed into a productive defensive player, culminating in a standout junior season where he recorded 45 tackles, establishing himself as a potential NFL prospect.
Khyiris Tonga Career
Chicago Bears (2021–2022)
Khyiris Tonga entered the NFL when the Chicago Bears selected him in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 250th overall pick. Pre-draft analysts praised Tonga for his ability to eat up space as a nose tackle, skills that made him valuable in stopping the run. However, concerns about his age, short arm length, and below-average hand size contributed to his drop to the seventh round. Tonga signed his four-year rookie contract with the Bears on June 2, 2021. He appeared in games during his rookie season, contributing to the defensive line rotation. The Bears waived Tonga on August 31, 2022, as they finalized their roster for the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings (2022)
Following his release from Chicago, Tonga quickly found a new opportunity when the Atlanta Falcons signed him to their practice squad on September 5, 2022. This allowed him to continue developing his craft while adapting to a new defensive system. His tenure with Atlanta was brief, as the Minnesota Vikings signed him off the Falcons practice squad on October 5, 2022. Joining the Vikings provided Tonga with increased opportunities to contribute on defense, and he became part of the defensive line rotation for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Arizona Cardinals (2024)
Tonga continued his NFL journey when he signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 15, 2024. This move represented a fresh start with a new franchise and an opportunity to carve out a more significant role in the defense. During the 2024 season, Tonga appeared in 13 games with one start, recording 22 tackles. His experience and reliability as a defensive tackle made him a valuable depth piece for the Cardinals throughout the season.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Tonga signed a one-year contract worth $2.7 million with the New England Patriots. The signing marked a significant step in his career, joining a franchise with a storied history of defensive excellence. During the 2025 season, Tonga appeared in 14 games with eight starts, recording 24 tackles. Notably, he demonstrated positional versatility by taking offensive snaps as a fullback in certain game situations, showcasing his value beyond traditional defensive line duties.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tonga’s game is built around his ability to occupy double teams and clog running lanes at the line of scrimmage. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 335 pounds, he possesses the size and power necessary to anchor against offensive linemen in the middle of the defensive front. His strength lies in his physicality and his understanding of gap control, allowing him to read plays and disrupt opposing rushing attacks effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Tonga has demonstrated consistent availability and durability, appearing in games for multiple franchises across five seasons. His journey from a seventh-round draft pick to a reliable rotational player exemplifies his resilience and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and team cultures.
Khyiris Tonga Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Tonga has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions across his professional career with five different franchises. His versatility has allowed him to contribute in various defensive alignments while maintaining his primary role as a nose tackle in run defense packages.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Across his NFL career, Tonga has recorded 113 total tackles along with half a sack, one fumble recovery, and six pass deflections. These statistics reflect his role as a run-stopping interior defender rather than a pass-rushing specialist. His consistency in making tackles and deflecting passes demonstrates his football intelligence and ability to be in the right position to make plays.
Other Career Notes
Tonga’s career path reflects the journeyman nature of NFL roster building, where players often move between teams seeking opportunities. His ability to remain in the league for multiple seasons while contributing to different defensive systems speaks to his reliability and team-first approach to the game.
Khyiris Tonga Family
Family Background and Early Influences
While detailed information about Tonga’s immediate family members is not extensively documented in public sources, his upbringing in West Valley City, Utah, provided a foundation for his disciplined approach to football and life. The values instilled during his upbringing and his two-year religious mission shaped his character and work ethic.
Personal Life
Before enrolling at Brigham Young University, Tonga served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wichita, Kansas. This missionary service reflected his deep religious commitment and provided formative experiences that influenced his professional and personal development. Tonga’s decision to serve a mission before pursuing his college football career demonstrated his priorities and ability to balance athletic ambitions with spiritual growth.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Khyiris Tonga’s NFL career as he joined the New England Patriots on a one-year contract. His transition to New England provided an opportunity to play for a franchise known for its defensive tradition and professional approach to football. Throughout the season, Tonga appeared in 14 games with eight starts, recording 24 tackles while continuing to serve as a reliable presence in the middle of the Patriots’ defensive line. The coaching staff utilized his versatility by deploying him on offensive snaps as a fullback in certain situations, demonstrating the trust they placed in his football skills beyond traditional defensive duties.