Khyiris Tonga
Khyiris Tonga (born July 7, 1996) is an American football nose tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at BYU and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. College career Initially committed to Utah after high school, Tonga flipped to BYU after former Oregon State defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake was named the Cougars' head coach while Tonga was serving his two-year mission. After a strong junior season where he made 45 tackles, Tonga was expected to be an NFL draft prospect, but announced he would return for his senior season. Professional career Tonga was praised by draft analysts for his ability to eat up space as a nose tackle, but was expected to be a day three prospect due to his age, short arms, and below-average hand size. Chicago Bears Tonga was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round, 250th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. On June 2, 2021, Tonga signed his four-year rookie contract with Chicago. He was waived by the Bears on August 31, 2022. Atlanta Falcons On September 5, 2022, Tonga was signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Minnesota Vikings On October 5, 2022, Tonga was signed by the Minnesota Vikings off the Falcons practice squad. Personal life Before enrolling at BYU, Tonga served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wichita, Kansas. References External links Minnesota Vikings bio BYU Cougars bio 1996 births Living people Players of American football from Utah People from West Valley City, Utah Sportspeople from Salt Lake County, Utah American Mormon missionaries in the United States American football defensive tackles BYU Cougars football players Chicago Bears players Atlanta Falcons players Minnesota Vikings players