Khyiris Tonga, the Chiefs’ starting nose tackle, is out here quietly matching offensive snaps with the league’s most-hyped two-way player, Travis Hunter. Yeah, you read that right. While Hunter, the Heisman winner and Jaguars CB/WR, gets all the buzz, Tonga is hitting the field on offense almost as much as him, and nobody’s even talking about it.
Hunter’s Hype vs. Tonga’s Grind: The Numbers Don’t Lie
You know all about Travis Hunter. Started every game on defense for the Jaguars. Plays both ways. Two catches this season, snagged one first down. He’s on the field for 6.8 percent of Jacksonville’s offensive snaps. That’s a decent chunk for a guy also locking down receivers, right? He’s the face of NFL versatility this year, fresh off his Heisman run at Colorado.
Now, meet Khyiris Tonga. He’s *also* started every game this season, but for the Chiefs’ defensive line. And get this, he’s seen limited offensive snaps too. Tonga’s got two carries on the year and, boom, one first down to his name. The mind-blowing part? He’s played 4.2 percent of the Chiefs’ total offensive snaps. That’s barely less than Hunter! We’re talking about a starting nose tackle here, guys, not some speedy receiver.
Two-Way Player, Two Different Narratives
The Jaguars are out here hyping Hunter up, saying he’s totally capable of being a full-time force at both wide receiver and cornerback. Makes sense, given his college pedigree and the buzz around him. He’s the poster child for the modern two-way player, and the Jags are leaning into that narrative big time.
But then you look at Tonga. The Chiefs? They’re calling him a “situational short-yardage fullback” on top of his defensive line starter duties. Situational! When you see the snap count comparison, that “situational” label feels a little light, doesn’t it? Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who knows a thing or two about defensive players lining up on offense, even started using Tonga as a blocker. This isn’t just a fluke. This is real usage for a big man making a subtle impact.
It’s wild to see such similar usage but wildly different levels of attention. Hunter is the splash, Tonga is the quiet wave. As the season rolls on, are we going to see Tonga’s offensive role expand even more? Or will he remain the unsung hero, doing the dirty work while the spotlight shines elsewhere? Either way, keep an eye on those offensive snap counts. They tell a story few are hearing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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