Tyler Matakevich is an American football linebacker who plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He is known for his hard work, leadership, and perseverance on and off the field.
In this article, we will explore his life story, from his early years to his professional career, and learn more about his achievements, challenges, and personal life.
Tyler John Matakevich was born on December 22, 1992, in Stratford, Connecticut, U.S. He grew up in a sports-loving family, with his father John, a former baseball player, and his mother Karen, a former basketball player. He has two older sisters, Ashley and Brittany, who also played sports in high school and college.
Tyler-Matakevich is originally from the United StatesImage Source: Instagram Tyler developed a passion for football at a young age and started playing in the Pop Warner league when he was seven. He idolized Ray Lewis, a legendary linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, and tried to emulate his style and intensity. He also played baseball and basketball, but football was his favorite sport.
Tyler attended St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Connecticut, where he played linebacker and running back on the football team. He also played baseball as a pitcher and outfielder.
Despite his impressive stats, Tyler was not heavily recruited by major college programs. He was considered too small and slow for his position and only received one scholarship offer from Temple University, a mid-major school in Philadelphia. He accepted the offer but decided to attend Milford Academy, a prep school in New York, for one year to improve his grades and skills.
At Temple, Tyler proved his doubters wrong. He played in all 13 games as a freshman, making his first start in Week 5 against USF. He became the first freshman in school history to record 100 tackles, finishing with 101. He also earned the Big East Rookie of the Year award and a Freshman All-American selection.
Tyler’s dream of playing in the NFL was not easy to achieve. He was again overlooked by many scouts and analysts, who questioned his size, speed, and athleticism.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round (246th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft, becoming the first Temple player to be drafted since 2012. He was the 34th linebacker and the 11th AAC player to be selected. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.4 million, with a $64,270 signing bonus.
He spent four seasons with the Steelers, mostly playing on special teams. He led the team in special teams tackles in 2017 and 2018, with 14 and 16, respectively. He also had his first career interception in 2018, picking off Cam Newton in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. He played in 63 games for the Steelers, totaling 112 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
In 2020, he signed a two-year contract worth $9 million with the Buffalo Bills, joining former Temple teammates Dion Dawkins and Lee Smith. He became a key contributor on the Bills’ special teams unit, which ranked among the best in the league.
Tyler-Matakevich was signed by the Buffalo Bills in 2020He played in all 16 games, recording 20 tackles and a pass deflection. He also had a career-high three blocked punts, tying the NFL record for most in a season. He helped the Bills win their first AFC East title since 1995, and reach the AFC Championship game for the first time since 19932
Tyler has faced several injuries and setbacks in his football career, but he has always overcome them with his resilience and determination. He broke his foot in a pre-season scrimmage in his senior year of high school and missed five games. He recovered in time to lead his team to a state title and earn a scholarship offer from Temple.
He suffered a shoulder injury in his junior year of college, which limited his range of motion and strength. He played through the pain and still managed to rack up 117 tackles and an interception. He had surgery after the season and returned to full health in his senior year.
He tore his labrum in his left shoulder in his rookie season in the NFL and played with a brace for the rest of the year. He had another surgery after the season and missed most of the offseason workouts. He recovered in time for training camp and earned a spot on the roster.
Tyler is not married, but he has a long-term girlfriend named Brianna Turgeon. They met at Temple, where Brianna was a cheerleader. They have been dating since 2014, and often post pictures of each other on social media. They live together in Buffalo, with their two dogs, a golden retriever named Cooper and a French bulldog named Louie.
Tyler-Matakevich with her girlfriendImage Source: Instagram Tyler is also friends with many of his teammates and former teammates, both at Temple and in the NFL. He has a particularly close relationship with Dion Dawkins, whom he calls his brother.
Tyler’s family background is diverse and interesting. His father, John, is of Polish and Irish descent, and his mother, Karen, is of Italian and German descent. They both grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut and attended the same high school. They married in 1987 and moved to Stratford, where they raised their three children.
Tyler’s paternal grandfather, John Sr., was a World War II veteran, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber and flew 35 missions over Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. He died in 2010, at the age of 88.
Tyler’s maternal grandfather, Frank, was a professional baseball player, who played in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. He was a catcher and had a career batting average of .273. He retired in 1957 and became a teacher and a coach. He died in 2012, at the age of 82.
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