An undrafted cornerback who starred at both Richmond and Appalachian State, Tyrek Funderburk is rebuilding his NFL career in Carolina after an injury cut short his Tampa Bay debut.
Tyrek Funderburk went undrafted out of Appalachian State in 2024 and made Tampa Bay's roster as a rookie before a season-ending injury forced him to injured reserve. Carolina signed him off waivers, and the Indian Trail, North Carolina native has since re-signed with the Panthers on a future deal as he works his way back.
Path to the league
Funderburk played college football at Richmond before transferring to Appalachian State, totaling 11 interceptions across 55 career FCS and FBS games with 35 starts and earning all-conference recognition at both stops. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Career highlights
Funderburk impressed enough in his first Buccaneers training camp to make Tampa Bay's 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie, a notable achievement in a crowded secondary. An injury ended his 2024 season early, landing him on injured reserve before Tampa Bay ultimately waived him, and Carolina claimed him off waivers.
2025 season recap
Funderburk did not log meaningful regular-season playing time with Carolina in 2025 as he worked back from his prior injury and competed for a role in the secondary. The Panthers re-signed him to a future contract in January 2026, keeping him in the mix heading into the next season.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Tyrek Funderburk
- ESPN: Tyrek Funderburk
Statistics
2025 season and career▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | buccaneers | 13 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- App State
- Hometown
- Indian Trail, NC, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
