Chiefs Have A Two-Way Player Nobody Knows About

The Kansas City Chiefs are featuring Kenneth Walker III as their main running back and primary offensive weapon, with rookie Emmett Johnson as the backup and change-of-pace back. But there’s another back who blocks and gets occasional carries, and he’s definitely not your normal fullback. 

Khyiris Tonga is a nose tackle who shows up in the backfield occasionally, and Michael David Smith noted that he has as many carries as two-way star Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars has receptions. Tonga has two carries, both of which went for first downs. 

The 6’2”, 335-pound lineman is tough to stop once he gets going, but he’s more than just a gadget player. New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel started using the 30-year old Tonga as a blocker in addition to his normal role at defensive tackle, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid has expanded Tonga’s role in that regard since Kansas City signed the lineman to a three-year, $21 million contract. 

Tonga described it as a “thrill” the first time he went into the huddle with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Walker, adding that it was “super cool” and “amazing.”

The blocking process has been a little different. Tonga definitely doesn’t worry about the technical aspects of blocking, as his big point of emphasis is “don’t mess it up.” He added that it’s fun blocking for a back like Walker, who’s been running roughshod through opposing defenses so far. 

Tonga has even run a route in one of his appearances at the goal line, as Mahomes threw a touchdown pass to Jalen Royals in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. The defensive tackle said he was prepared to catch it if Mahomes had chosen him, but he added that he was “a little relieved” when Mahomes found Royals for the score. 

Tonga added that he’s up for anything when he’s on offense, including throwing the ball on a trick play if his number is called there. The imagery is fun to conjure up, but it’s fairly safe to say that’s not going to happen, although you never quite know for sure with Reid and Mahomes when they start doing trick plays. 

More importantly, Tonga has played well on defense, where he was signed to be a rotation player to give tackle Chris Jones some rest and occasionally play in jumbo packages. He’s playing an unsung role for a team that’s 4-0, but it’s an important role nonetheless.