Tank Tyler's Trade Is A Homecoming

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs traded former NC State defensive tackle Tank Tyler to the Carolina Panthers. Tyler was a third round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2007. He showed a tremendous ability to make an impact during the early stages of his NFL career. After seeing action as a reserve in 15 games as a rookie in '07, he moved into a starting role in 2008, starting all 16 games at defensive tackle. This season has proven to be a different story for Tyler. With the arrival of new coach Todd Haley also came a new defensive scheme. In the transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, the number of defensive linemen necessary was reduced by 1. Last season Tyler got to start alongside veteran Ron Edwards, but this season the two had to battle for the position in the middle of the new 3-4 scheme. Coming out of the preseason camp, it seemed like the Chiefs were going to allow Tank to be the man in the middle, but after starting the first two games, Haley made the executive decision to insert Edwards as the starter.

The initial news of being traded was deflating for Tyler, but once he heard which team he was being traded to, his spirits were lifted.

“I mean, my heart just dropped,” Tyler told the Gaston Gazette. “And then when he told me where I was traded, my heart started smiling again. It’s a blessing.”

Tyler is a native of North Carolina, playing his high school football at E.E. Smith in Fayettville, North Carolina. Tank was also an All-ACC performer as a defensive tackle at NC State. Needless to say, the return to North Carolina was nothing short of a homecoming for Tyler.

“I grew up idolizing the Panthers,” Tyler told the Gaston Gazette. “The first NFL game I saw was in Charlotte. They played against (former New Orleans Saints receiver) Joe Horn, who was a Fayetteville guy.”

The Panthers addition of Tyler, brings much needed depth to a position that has been a weakness for the Panthers as of late. Tyler sees the Panthers defense as a perfect fit.

“This defense is attack-style as far as the line goes,” Tyler told the Gaston Gazette. “That is what I love to do. I love to attack. I just feel privileged to be a part of this defense. I’m going to take advantage of my opportunity.”

Tyler will begin practicing for the Panthers on Wednesday.