Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga got fans excited online after he converted a fourth-down carry for a first down and had viewers clamoring for more touches
Khyiris Tonga
Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Khyiris Tonga is used in a duel threat role(Image: Getty Images)
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The story of the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos was the sudden emergence of their under-center running game, spurred by the offseason acquisition of reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker.
In a gritty 33-30 Week 2 victory of the Indianapolis Colts on 'Sunday Night Football,' Kansas City relied on another weapon out of under-center looks: 335-pound nose tackle Khryis Tonga.
Before the game took a turn with a controversial refereeing decision in overtime, the Chiefs gave the beefy nose tackle a carry while trailing 20-17 with 12:01 left in the third quarter and with the ball at the Colts' 47-yard-line.
Patrick Mahomes had Tonga lined up to his right in a jumbo set with Walker in the traditional tailback position. The quarterback handed to Tonga on the fullback dive, and the big man rumbled for a two-yard gain and the score.
NBC color commentator Cris Collinsworth loved it. "Go on with it, Khyris! ‘He’s just a blocker, there’s no way you’re giving him the ball,'" he said, mocking those who would label Tonga just a fullback. "I love that, I love that, I love that, that was great."
NFL fans loved in on social media. "334lb Khyiris Tonga with the carry on a FB dive! Football is healing," wrote ex-PFF analyst Sam Monson. "Seeing a big defensive lineman rumble for a first down is peak football entertainment," another viewer wrote.
Later in the drive, the Chiefs faced a fourth-and-goal from the Colts' one-yard line. Tonga once again lined up to the right of Mahomes, but this time, he drifted into the flat as an eligible receiver.
Khyiris Tonga
Khyiris Tonga is in his first year with the Kansas City Chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
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The Kansas City quarterback opted for an open Jalen Royals — an actual receiver — for the touchdown. Still, fans clamored for Tonga to get another touch.
"GIVE TONGA ANOTHER CARRY AT THE GOAL LINE LET THE BIG MAN SCORE," wrote ESPN analyst Mina Kima in all caps. "Should’ve given it to Tonga on the goal line!" another tweeted. "Give it to Tonga!" a different fan wrote.
The 30-year-old Tonga was a seventh-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021 out of BYU, where he had one rushing touchdown while doubling as a defensive lineman.
The journeyman nose tackle bounced from team to team but settled in with the New England Patriots, serving as a key rotation option for a Super Bowl defense. Tonga signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Kansas City last offseason.