Ty Nsekhe

Ty Nsekhe Bio

Attauyo Nkere Nsekhe (born October 27, 1985) is an American professional football offensive tackle who has played in the National Football League for multiple teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 325 pounds, Nsekhe has built a reputation as a reliable swing tackle capable of playing both left and right tackle positions. His career spans more than 15 years and includes stops with numerous NFL and Arena Football League teams, demonstrating his durability and adaptability at the professional level. Nsekhe played college football for the Texas State Bobcats before beginning his professional journey in the Arena Football League and eventually making the transition to the NFL.

Early Life and Background

Ty Nsekhe was born on October 27, 1985, in Brooklyn, New York. His early years were spent in the New York area before his family relocated to Arlington, Texas, where he would attend Bowie High School. During his high school career, Nsekhe distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball while earning first-team All-area honors as a junior and senior. His performance on the football field attracted attention from college programs, ultimately leading him to accept a football scholarship from Texas State University.

College Career and Challenges

Nsekhe arrived at Texas State University in 2003 and played one season as a true freshman for the Bobcats. However, his college career encountered a significant setback in 2004 when he became involved in a legal incident. Nsekhe and several teammates robbed a fraternity house during the spring semester. He faced a second-degree felony burglary charge and accepted a plea deal that included 10 years of probation, 150 hours of community service, and restitution payment. The incident also resulted in his scholarship being reduced from full to partial coverage.

Following the disciplinary action, Nsekhe transferred to Division II Tarleton State University in 2005, where he appeared in five games with one start. In 2006, he moved to Northwestern Oklahoma State, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics college, after receiving a recommendation from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton. However, Nsekhe was expelled from the school after one semester and never appeared in a game there, leaving his collegiate playing career incomplete.

Ty Nsekhe Career

Arena Football League Years (2009-2012)

After spending two years away from football following his expulsion from Northwestern Oklahoma State, Nsekhe signed with the Corpus Christi Sharks of the af2 league in 2008. He was unable to complete that season due to being arrested and incarcerated at the C. A. Holliday Transfer Facility. Nsekhe returned to the Sharks in 2009, playing as an offensive lineman, defensive lineman, and tight end before the league folded that September.

Nsekhe’s persistence paid off when he signed with the Dallas Vigilantes of the Arena Football League in 2010. He appeared in one game and recorded one tackle. His versatility as a tight end became more apparent when he joined the Philadelphia Soul in March 2011, appearing in eight games with eight receptions for 91 yards and three touchdowns on offense, along with four tackles on defense. He continued his development with the San Antonio Talons in 2012, appearing in 11 games and catching five passes for 32 yards.

Entry into the NFL (2012-2013)

At age 26, Nsekhe received his first opportunity in the National Football League when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts on August 1, 2012, following the release of offensive tackle Ben Ijalana. However, his initial stint lasted only a month before he was waived on September 1, 2012. The very next day, Nsekhe was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Rams, where he played in two games during his rookie season. After being released later that month, he joined the Rams’ practice squad before being waived injured in August 2013.

Washington Redskins Era (2015-2018)

Nsekhe’s career took a significant turn when he signed with the Washington Redskins on February 10, 2015. Although initially waived in May, he was re-signed just days later and became the backup swing tackle. His opportunity expanded when he made two starts at left tackle to fill in for an injured Trent Williams. In 2016, Nsekhe served as the team’s swing tackle and was thrust into a starting role for four consecutive games when Pro Bowler Trent Williams was suspended for performance-enhancing drug use.

His consistency earned him a return to Washington, where he re-signed on February 28, 2017. That season, he appeared in 11 games with five starts at both tackle positions. In 2018, Nsekhe appeared in 14 games with five starts, including three consecutive starts at left tackle and two at left guard. His versatility across multiple positions on the offensive line made him a valuable asset to the Redskins’ roster.

Buffalo Bills (2019-2020)

On March 13, 2019, Nsekhe signed a two-year contract worth $14.5 million with $7.7 million guaranteed with the Buffalo Bills. The substantial contract reflected his value as an experienced swing tackle in the league. Nsekhe brought veteran experience and depth to the Bills’ offensive line, continuing his role as a flexible backup capable of playing both tackle positions. He completed his tenure with the Bills in 2020.

Journeyman Years (2021-2024)

Nsekhe’s career entered a journeyman phase as he moved through several organizations. On March 22, 2021, he signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys to replace veteran Cam Erving as the backup swing tackle. He appeared in 12 games with the Cowboys but missed Weeks 2, 3, and 4 while recovering from heat exhaustion. After not being re-signed following the season, Nsekhe joined the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad in October 2022 before being signed to the Los Angeles Rams’ active roster off the practice squad later that month.

The Rams signed Nsekhe to provide depth following injuries on their offensive line. He appeared in 10 games with starts during his time with the team. In September 2023, Nsekhe joined the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. He was not retained after the season and became a free agent. Nsekhe returned to the Rams organization on September 10, 2024, signing to their practice squad before being released one week later.

Playing Style and Strengths

At 6 feet 8 inches and 325 pounds, Nsekhe possesses the size and length teams seek in an offensive tackle. His primary value has come as a swing tackle, capable of stepping in at both left and right tackle positions at any moment. Nsekhe’s experience allowed him to fill in for All-Pro caliber players like Trent Williams without significant drop-off in performance. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, including occasional work at guard, has extended his NFL career well beyond what many expected for an undrafted player who entered the league at age 26.

Career Milestones

Nsekhe’s journey from undrafted free agent to 15-year NFL veteran represents one of the more improbable careers in modern professional football. His $14.5 million contract with Buffalo Bills in 2019 marked the financial pinnacle of his career and validated his late-blooming success. His ability to remain in the league through multiple team changes and roster rotations demonstrates the market value for experienced depth players who can play multiple positions. Nsekhe’s 105 career NFL games and 25 starts represent substantial accomplishments for a player who did not play his first professional football until age 23 and his first NFL game until age 26.

Ty Nsekhe Career Statistics

Throughout his professional career spanning both the Arena Football League and National Football League, Nsekhe has accumulated extensive playing experience across multiple seasons and teams.

NFL Career Statistics

Nsekhe appeared in 105 NFL games with 25 starts across his career with Washington, Buffalo, Dallas, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles. His most productive seasons came with the Washington Redskins from 2015 to 2018, where he served as the primary swing tackle and logged significant starting appearances. His versatility allowed him to remain an active roster player into his late 30s.

Arena Football League Statistics

During his time in the AFL from 2010 to 2012, Nsekhe appeared in 20 games total across three teams. He recorded 13 receptions for 123 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns as a tight end, along with 6 tackles as a defensive lineman. These statistics reflect his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball during his development years.

Ty Nsekhe Personal Life

Background and Journey

Nsekhe’s path to NFL stability was marked by significant personal and professional challenges. His legal troubles during college required years of probation and community service, forcing him to rebuild his life and football career from humble beginnings in arena football. The contrast between his late start in professional football and his eventual 15-year career illustrates the perseverance required to maintain an NFL roster position.

Public Controversy

In September 2013, Nsekhe became the subject of national attention when he responded to a social media post comparing NFL player salaries to military compensation. His controversial response went viral and received widespread criticism. Nsekhe subsequently issued an apology via Twitter, and the St. Louis Rams released a statement rejecting his comments, noting he had already been released by the team prior to the incident.

2025 Season Outlook

As of the 2025 season, Ty Nsekhe remains unsigned by any NFL franchise following his brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024. At age 39, the veteran offensive tackle faces an uncertain future in professional football. While his career statistics demonstrate he can still contribute as a depth player, the challenge for any veteran swing tackle is finding a team with the right circumstances and injury situation that would create a roster opening. Nsekhe’s extensive experience and position flexibility remain attractive qualities for teams seeking cheap, experienced depth along the offensive line. His journey from undrafted free agent to 15-year NFL veteran stands as a testament to persistence and adaptability in professional sports.