The Chiefs signed Khyiris Tonga to strengthen their defense.
But the 335-pound nose tackle made headlines for something unexpected — his love of playing offense.

New Chiefs Defender Khyiris Tonga Reveals His Secret Offensive Role

When the Kansas City Chiefs introduced new defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, fans expected talk about sacks, run defense, and clogging up the middle.

Instead, Tonga surprised everyone by talking about something completely different:

Playing offense.

The massive 6-foot-2, 335-pound nose tackle has occasionally lined up as a fullback, and he admits he absolutely loves doing it.

“It was so fun,” Tonga said during his introductory press conference after signing a three-year, $21 million contract with Kansas City.

“I was grateful for the coaches trusting me enough to even give me the opportunity to try it.”

How a Defensive Lineman Ended Up on Offense

Tonga’s offensive experiment began last season when he was playing for the New England Patriots under head coach Mike Vrabel.

Vrabel — who famously played both linebacker and tight end during his career — saw something intriguing in Tonga.

The Patriots decided to try him as a short-yardage blocker, introducing him to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The result?

It worked.

During a Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Tonga lined up on offense for a third-and-1 situation. His blocking helped spring a 6-yard run, extending a touchdown drive in a narrow 24-23 win.

The Play That Turned Heads

Tonga’s most memorable offensive moment came the following week in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the Patriots protecting a late 21-16 lead, Tonga sealed the edge on a run play.

His block flattened two elite defenders — Antoine Winfield and Lavonte David — opening the lane for TreVeyon Henderson to break free for a 69-yard touchdown run that sealed the victory.

That performance convinced the coaching staff to keep using him in special situations.

Tonga even played offensive snaps during the Patriots’ playoff run that ultimately ended in the Super Bowl.

Will the Chiefs Use Tonga on Offense?

Now that he’s in Kansas City, Tonga says he’s not expecting to continue playing offense.

But he’s definitely open to the idea.

“No, I’m not,” Tonga said when asked if he expects offensive snaps with the Chiefs.

Then he added with a smile:

“But, you know, that’s always open for me.”

Given Andy Reid’s creativity on offense, Chiefs fans probably won’t rule anything out.

Tonga Already Excited About His New Teammate

While Tonga’s offensive role remains uncertain, he’s already excited about blocking for one particular player if the opportunity arises.

That player is Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs’ newly acquired running back and reigning Super Bowl MVP.

Tonga had a close look at Walker during the Super Bowl when the Patriots faced Seattle.

Now he’s thrilled to be on the same team.

“Man, he’s a dawg,” Tonga said.

“Super smart, very patient. He hits the holes when it’s there. He can start inside and bounce all the way outside for big gains.”

A Unique Weapon for Kansas City?

Tonga was primarily signed to strengthen Kansas City’s defensive front, where his size and power make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

But if the Chiefs decide to experiment the way New England did, he could become something rare in the NFL:

A 335-pound defensive tackle who occasionally plays fullback.

And if that happens, Chiefs fans might witness one of the league’s most unusual offensive weapons.