A four-year starter at BYU and the first defensive tackle drafted from the school in over two decades, Khyiris Tonga has built a journeyman career as a stout run-stopping nose tackle.
Khyiris Tonga is a defensive tackle who has played for several NFL teams since entering the league in 2021, most recently earning a new contract after a strong 2025 season. Known for his size and run defense at the point of attack, Tonga has consistently found roles as a rotational interior lineman.
Path to the league
Tonga was a four-year starter at BYU, appearing in 47 games and recording 130 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He was the first defensive tackle drafted out of BYU in 22 years when the Chicago Bears selected him in the seventh round (250th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Tonga has played for the Bears, Falcons, Vikings, Cardinals, and Patriots since entering the league, building a reputation as a reliable run-stuffing nose tackle capable of eating up interior gaps.
2025 season recap
Tonga had a career year with the New England Patriots in 2025, playing 14 games with eight starts, the most of his five-year career, and recording 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups. His strong 2025 performance led to a three-year, $21 million contract that included $14 million guaranteed.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Khyiris Tonga
- Pro Football Reference: Khyiris Tonga
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
14 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | patriots | 14 | 24 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | cardinals | 13 | 22 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | vikings | 14 | 15 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | vikings | 11 | 28 | 12 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2021 | bears | 15 | 24 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive Tackle
- Group
- defense
- College
- BYU
- Hometown
- West Valley, UT, USA
- Age
- 30
- Status
- active
