Tonyist Karnez McLendon Jr. Bio
Tonyist Karnez “T. K.” McLendon Jr. is an American professional football defensive end who played for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. Born on February 27, 1999, in Soperton, Georgia, McLendon emerged from a small town to reach the NFL after playing college football at three different programs. He signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in May 2023 and spent his rookie season with the organization, appearing in seven games with two starts before his career was interrupted by injury.
Early Life and Background
T. K. McLendon Jr. grew up in Soperton, Georgia, a small town in Treutlen County. He attended Treutlen County High School in his hometown, where he developed his foundation as a football player. McLendon showed promise as a defensive lineman during his high school years, attracting attention from college programs despite coming from a modest athletic background. His small-town upbringing in rural Georgia shaped his work ethic and determination to pursue football at the highest level.
Path to Professional Football
After high school, McLendon began his collegiate journey at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi, playing there from 2017 to 2018. His performance at the junior college level earned him an opportunity to transfer to Louisiana State University, one of the premier football programs in the country. McLendon joined the LSU Tigers for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, competing against top-tier talent in the Southeastern Conference. However, seeking more opportunities, he transferred once again to Eastern Kentucky University for his final two seasons of college eligibility, playing for the Colonels from 2021 to 2022.
Tonyist Karnez McLendon Jr. Career
Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)
McLendon entered the 2023 NFL Draft but went undrafted, prompting him to pursue an opportunity as a free agent. He signed with the Tennessee Titans on May 12, 2023. The Titans waived him during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but immediately re-signed him to their practice squad, allowing him to remain with the organization and continue developing. His persistence paid off when the Titans promoted him to the active roster on November 18, 2023.
As a rookie during the 2023 season, McLendon appeared in seven games and made two starts for the Titans. His promotion from the practice squad to the starting lineup demonstrated his ability to learn the professional game quickly. The experience he gained facing NFL-level competition provided a valuable foundation for his development as a defensive end. McLendon continued working toward a larger role with the Titans during the 2024 offseason.
Louisville Kings (2026)
Following his time with the Titans, McLendon signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League on March 10, 2026. The UFL offered him an opportunity to continue his professional football career after his NFL tenure. However, his stint with the Kings was brief, as he was released on March 19, 2026, just nine days after signing.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches and 275 pounds, McLendon possesses the size and length typical of NFL defensive ends. His frame allows him to hold the point of attack against both the run and pass. McLendon developed his technique across multiple college programs, gaining experience in different defensive schemes before transitioning to the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in McLendon’s young career was his promotion to the Tennessee Titans active roster in November 2023. Earning a starting position as a rookie undrafted free agent demonstrated his determination and ability to overcome the odds. His injury during the 2024 preseason interrupted his momentum, but his rookie season accomplishments remained a foundation for his professional future.
Tonyist Karnez McLendon Jr. Career Statistics
McLendon’s professional career includes appearances in the National Football League with the Tennessee Titans. His rookie season in 2023 represented his most extensive playing time at the professional level. Following his NFL tenure, he pursued opportunities in the United Football League before exploring other avenues in professional football.
NFL Statistics Summary
During his time with the Tennessee Titans, McLendon recorded 8 total tackles and 1 fumble recovery across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His rookie campaign provided the bulk of his statistical production, with appearances in seven games and two starts. The majority of his rookie season statistics came during the 2023 campaign before he was placed on injured reserve in August 2024.
College Career Highlights
McLendon’s collegiate trajectory took him through three programs over six seasons. His journey from junior college to LSU and finally Eastern Kentucky showcased his ability to adapt to different systems and competition levels. Playing at LSU against top SEC opponents prepared him for the physical demands of professional football, while his final seasons at Eastern Kentucky allowed him to accumulate meaningful game experience as a starter.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tennessee Titans | 7 | 2 | 8 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional period in McLendon’s professional football career. After being placed on injured reserve by the Tennessee Titans in August 2024, he did not return to NFL action during the 2024 season. His status entering the 2025 campaign reflected the challenges that undrafted free agents face in establishing themselves at the sport’s highest level. McLendon continued working toward a return to professional football, seeking opportunities with organizations that aligned with his skill set and career aspirations.