Tanoh Kpassagnon Bio
Tanoh Kpassagnon is an American professional football defensive end who has built a solid career in the National Football League since being drafted in 2017. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 289 pounds, Kpassagnon possesses the physical stature and athleticism that make him a formidable presence on the defensive line. He played college football at Villanova University before beginning his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he contributed to a Super Bowl championship. Kpassagnon has since played for the New Orleans Saints and most recently joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Tanoh Kpassagnon was born on June 14, 1994, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is the son of Ivorian and Ugandan parents. His mother, Winifred Wafwoyo, works as a chemist, while his father, Patrice Kpassagnon Tagro, is an economist. This multicultural background provided Kpassagnon with a unique perspective and support system as he pursued his athletic ambitions.
Kpassagnon attended Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pennsylvania, where he played high school football. His impressive performances during his high school career laid the foundation for his future in collegiate football. Despite receiving limited interest from major programs, Kpassagnon’s raw athleticism and size caught the attention of scouts from Villanova University.
Path to the NFL
Kpassagnon received only one scholarship offer for football, which came from Villanova University. He committed to play for the Villanova Wildcats, viewing it as an opportunity to develop his skills at the collegiate level. Kpassagnon redshirted his freshman season and initially started his college career as a tight end. By his junior season, he had transitioned to defensive end, a move that would define his professional prospects.
During his senior season at Villanova, Kpassagnon emerged as one of the top defensive players in the Colonial Athletic Association. He recorded 11 sacks and earned the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year honor. One of his most memorable college moments came in a game against Pittsburgh when he blocked a field goal and recorded two tackles for loss. His standout performances earned him First-team All-CAA recognition in both 2015 and 2016.
Beyond football, Kpassagnon pursued academic excellence at Villanova. He double-majored in accounting and finance and interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers for two summers during his collegiate years. He later pursued a Master of Business Administration at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington, demonstrating his commitment to life beyond the football field.
Tanoh Kpassagnon Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2017–2020)
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Kpassagnon in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 59th overall pick. He was the seventh defensive end selected in that draft class. On June 7, 2017, Kpassagnon signed a four-year contract worth $4.32 million with $1.94 million guaranteed and a $1.32 million signing bonus. He competed throughout training camp against several players for the starting defensive end position.
Throughout training camp and the preseason, Kpassagnon impressed coaches with his versatility and what they described as “freakish” athleticism. Head coach Andy Reid created an edge rusher role for him that allowed him to line up at multiple positions, including outside linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle. Kpassagnon began his rookie season as the backup right outside linebacker behind Dee Ford.
On December 31, 2017, with the division title and the fourth seed already clinched, Kpassagnon received his first career start against the Denver Broncos. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing with seven combined tackles and two sacks during the 27-24 victory. The Chiefs ultimately finished the season as the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs.
New Orleans Saints (2021–2024)
Kpassagnon signed with the New Orleans Saints on March 29, 2021, joining a defense that had reached the postseason in recent years. He quickly integrated into the Saints’ defensive scheme and became a rotational player along the defensive line. During the 2021 season, Kpassagnon was placed on injured reserve on December 2, ending his first year with the team.
On February 27, 2023, Kpassagnon signed a two-year contract extension with the Saints, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. During Week 15 of the 2023 season against the New York Giants, Kpassagnon recorded a career-high three sacks in a single game, demonstrating his continued development as a pass rusher. The performance highlighted his ability to impact games when given the opportunity.
The 2024 season presented challenges for Kpassagnon. On May 28, 2024, it was announced that he had suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the offseason, which would cause him to miss training camp. He was placed on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of the season before being activated on December 14, 2024.
Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts (2025)
On July 22, 2025, Kpassagnon signed with the Chicago Bears. He was released during final roster cuts on August 26 and signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. For Week 1 of the 2025 season against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, Kpassagnon was elevated from the practice squad. He recorded a sack of quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the game. He was signed to the active roster on September 20 but was released on October 17 and returned to the practice squad. He was released again on October 21.
On October 27, 2025, the Indianapolis Colts signed Kpassagnon to their practice squad, providing him with another opportunity to continue his NFL career. He was released by the Colts on November 18, 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kpassagnon’s defining characteristic is his exceptional size for a defensive end position, standing 6 feet 7 inches tall. His length and frame allow him to occupy blockers effectively and disrupt opposing offenses. He has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, lining up at multiple positions along the defensive line and as an edge rusher. His ability to move inside on passing downs provides defensive coordinators with tactical flexibility when designing pass-rushing schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
During the 2019 season, Kpassagnon played a significant role in the Chiefs’ championship run. In the AFC Championship Game against the Tennessee Titans on January 19, 2020, he recorded two sacks on quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the 35-24 victory. The Chiefs went on to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV, securing the franchise’s first championship in 50 years. Kpassagnon’s contributions during the playoff run cemented his place in Chiefs history.
Earlier in the 2020 regular season, Kpassagnon made a crucial play in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. He tipped a potential game-tying field goal attempt by Younghoe Koo in the final moments, helping the Chiefs secure a 17-14 victory. His defensive contributions throughout his time with the Chiefs, including the postseason, included a sack in the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills during the 2020 season.
Tanoh Kpassagnon Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2017 through the 2024 season, Kpassagnon has accumulated solid statistics while contributing to multiple teams. His versatility as a defensive player has allowed him to make impacts in various aspects of the game, from pass rushing to run defense.
Career Highlights
Kpassagnon’s most productive statistical season came during his tenure with the Saints, highlighted by his career-high three-sack performance in Week 15 of the 2023 season. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and make crucial plays in key moments. His Super Bowl LIV championship with the Chiefs remains the pinnacle of his professional achievements.
NFL Career Statistics
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 146 |
| Sacks | 17.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 9 |
Tanoh Kpassagnon Family
Family Background
Tanoh Kpassagnon comes from a distinguished family with roots in West Africa. His father, Patrice Kpassagnon Tagro, is from Ivory Coast and works as an economist. His mother, Winifred Wafwoyo, is of Ugandan descent and works as a chemist. This multicultural heritage has shaped Kpassagnon’s identity and provided him with diverse perspectives as he navigated his football career and life.
Education and Academic Pursuits
In addition to his athletic achievements, Kpassagnon has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. At Villanova University, he pursued a double major in accounting and finance while playing football. He gained practical experience through summer internships at PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world’s leading accounting firms. After completing his undergraduate studies, Kpassagnon was admitted to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington to pursue a Master of Business Administration, showing his dedication to developing skills beyond football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional period for Kpassagnon as he navigated roster changes within the NFL. After signing with the Chicago Bears in July 2025, he experienced the competitive nature of professional football roster decisions. His elevation from the practice squad for the Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings provided him with an opportunity to contribute, and he responded by recording a sack of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his appearance.
Following his time with the Bears, Kpassagnon joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad in late October 2025. While his tenure with the Colts concluded in mid-November, his ability to remain in the league demonstrates the value teams place on his experience and positional versatility. Throughout his career, Kpassagnon has shown the resilience and adaptability needed to overcome injuries and roster fluctuations while continuing to contribute at the professional level.