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Former Bears DT Khyiris Tonga emerges as three-way player for Patriots
Tonga, a seventh-round pick by the Bears in 2021, has found a home with the Patriots and could start in Super Bowl LX.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:55pm
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Khyiris Tonga, a former seventh-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, has emerged as a versatile player for the New England Patriots. After being waived by the Bears in 2022, Tonga has bounced around to several teams before finding stability with the Patriots, who have utilized him as a nose tackle, fullback, and on special teams. Tonga is grateful for the opportunity the Patriots have given him to "just play ball" without limitations on his abilities.
Why it matters
The Bears have struggled to build a strong defensive line in recent seasons, and Tonga's success with the Patriots highlights a missed opportunity for the team. Tonga's journey also showcases the resilience of players who get waived and have to fight to find a permanent home in the NFL.
The details
Tonga was drafted by the Bears in the seventh round in 2021 but was waived the following year. He then spent time with the Falcons, Vikings, and Cardinals before landing with the Patriots, who have utilized him as a nose tackle, fullback, and on special teams. Tonga has started a career-high eight games for the Patriots this season and could start in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks.
- Tonga was drafted by the Bears in the seventh round in 2021.
- Tonga was waived by the Bears going into the 2022 season.
- Tonga has spent time with the Falcons, Vikings, and Cardinals before joining the Patriots.
- Tonga has started a career-high eight games for the Patriots this season.
- Tonga and the Patriots will face the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.
The players
Khyiris Tonga
A former seventh-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears who has found a home with the New England Patriots, playing a versatile role as a nose tackle, fullback, and on special teams.
Ryan Pace
The former general manager of the Chicago Bears who drafted Tonga in the seventh round in 2021.
What they’re saying
“It's been a journey, and I've been grateful for every step. It was hard [getting waived by the Bears], but it taught me to appreciate the game. I'm grateful for all the teams that gave me a chance, and shoutout to the Patriots for letting me ball.”
— Khyiris Tonga, Patriots Player (suntimes.com)
“This is the team that really gave a full chance to just play ball. They never put a roof over my abilities, so it's been fun to come in and just be me and play free.”
— Khyiris Tonga, Patriots Player (suntimes.com)
What’s next
Tonga and the Patriots will face the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.
The takeaway
Tonga's journey from a seventh-round draft pick of the Bears to a versatile player for the Patriots highlights the resilience and determination required to succeed in the NFL. His story also underscores the Bears' struggles to build a strong defensive line in recent seasons, a missed opportunity that the team will need to address moving forward.
