SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Bears have struggled to fortify their defensive line over the last few seasons, and it turns out they let a pretty good tackle slip through the cracks. So did a few other teams, actually, but Khyiris Tonga found a home with the Patriots and could start Sunday in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks.
He plays nose tackle for the Patriots and started a career-high eight games for them after bouncing to the Falcons, Vikings and Cardinals after the Bears cut him going into the 2022 season. Former general manager Ryan Pace drafted him in the seventh round the year before.
“It’s been a journey, and I’ve been grateful for every step,” Tonga said Tuesday. “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.
“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.”
Tonga has grown into a versatile threat for the Patriots, who play him in all three phases. He got 14 offensive snaps as a fullback and blocks for their field-goal unit. He said playing offense has “been real fun,” but has no expectation of getting the ball Sunday.
