Khyiris Tonga

Khyiris Tonga (; born July 7, 1996) is an American professional football nose tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and was selected 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 Pre-draft

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 selected 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 practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons.

Minnesota Vikings On October 5, 2022, Tonga was signed by the Minnesota Vikings off the Falcons practice squad.

Arizona Cardinals On March 15, 2024, Tonga signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He played in 13 games with one start, recording 22 tackles.

New England Patriots On March 14, 2025, Tonga signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the New England Patriots. He played in 14 games with eight starts, recording 24 tackles. He would also take offensive snaps as a fullback.

Kanasas City Chiefs On March 12, 2026, Tonga signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL career statistics LegendBoldCareer high

Regular season YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Sfty PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR 2021 CHI 15 2 24 10 14 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2022 MIN 11 2 28 12 16 0.5 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2023 MIN 14 2 15 9 6 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2024 ARI 13 1 22 6 16 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2025 NE 14 8 24 9 15 0.0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 67 15 113 46 67 0.5 5 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Postseason YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Sfty PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR 2022 MIN 1 0 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2025 NE 3 0 7 5 2 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0Career 4 0 8 5 3 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

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.