Wikipedia

Tyler Eifert

Tyler Gregory Eifert (born September 8, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, receiving first-team All-American honors and winning the John Mackey Award as the top college tight end in 2012. Eifert was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft.

Tyler Eifert
refer to caption
Eifert with the Bengals in 2013
No. 85, 88
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1990-09-08) September 8, 1990 (age 34)
Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:Bishop Dwenger (Fort Wayne)
College:Notre Dame (2009–2012)
NFL draft:2013 / round: 1 / pick: 21
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:221
Receiving yards:2,501
Receiving touchdowns:26
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Eifert attended Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic School and Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.[1] He played tight end and defensive back in football and power forward in basketball. As a senior, he had nine touchdowns on offense and 97 tackles and five interceptions on defense. Considered only a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he chose to attend Notre Dame over other offers from Indiana, Minnesota, and Purdue.[2]

College career

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Eifert enrolled in the University of Notre Dame, where he played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team from 2009 to 2012 under head coaches Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly.[3][4][5] As a freshman in 2009, Eifert played in only one game after suffering a back injury.[6] As a sophomore in 2010, he entered the season as a backup to Kyle Rudolph but took over as the starter after Rudolph suffered a season-ending injury.[7] He finished the season with 27 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. In his junior season, he took over the tight end starting position. As a starter, Eifert had 63 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns.[8] He broke the school's tight end single-season receptions and receiving yards record, previously held by Ken MacAfee. He was named a 2011 Mackey Award finalist but did not win the award.[9] As a senior, he had 50 receptions for 685 yards with 4 touchdowns. He also won the 2012 Mackey Award after being named a finalist the year before and was also named second-team All-American by the Associated Press.[10]

After a 42–14 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, Eifert decided to forgo his final season of eligibility and declared his intention to enter the 2013 NFL draft.[11]

College statistics

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Season Team GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg TD
2010 Notre Dame 11 27 352 13.0 2
2011 Notre Dame 13 63 803 12.7 5
2012 Notre Dame 13 50 685 13.7 4
Career 37 140 1,840 13.1 11

Professional career

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Eifert at Bengals training camp
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 5+1⁄2 in
(1.97 m) 		250 lb
(113 kg) 		33+1⁄8 in
(0.84 m) 		9+1⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.68 s 1.65 s 2.76 s 4.32 s 6.92 s 35.5 in
(0.90 m)		 9 ft 11 in
(3.02 m)		 22 reps 23[12]
All values from NFL Combine[13][14]

Cincinnati Bengals

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2013 season

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Eifert was selected in the first round with the 21st overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2013 NFL draft.[15] On July 15, 2013, Eifert signed a four-year, $8.25 million rookie contract with the Bengals.[16]

On September 8, 2013, Eifert made his NFL debut, recording five receptions for 47 yards in a 24–21 loss to the Chicago Bears.[17] On September 16, Eifert caught three passes for 66 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers.[18] On October 20, Eifert caught his first career touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Andy Dalton against the Detroit Lions.[19] On December 15, 2013, Eifert caught his second touchdown of his career against the Pittsburgh Steelers.[20] On December 22, Eifert left the game against the Minnesota Vikings early with a stinger injury.[21] This injury sidelined Eifert for the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.[22] He finished his rookie season with 39 receptions for 445 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[23]

2014 season

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On September 7, 2014, during the first game of the 2014 season against the Baltimore Ravens, Eifert recorded three receptions for 37 yards before suffering a dislocated elbow and shoulder labrum tear after landing awkwardly on his arm while trying to twist out of a leg tackle.[24] He was placed on injured reserve on September 10, 2014, and ended up being out for the season.[25]

 
Eifert playing against the Baltimore Ravens in 2015

2015 season

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On September 13, 2015, Eifert posted a career day with nine receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the season-opening victory over the Oakland Raiders.[26] On October 11, Eifert was Andy Dalton's biggest target in a Week 5, 27–24 comeback victory against the two-time defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks with eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns.[27] On November 5, Eifert finished with five catches for 53 yards and three touchdowns in a 31–10 Bengals win over the Cleveland Browns, tying him with Rodney Holman (1989) and Bob Trumpy (1969) for the Bengals franchise record for single-season touchdowns by a tight end, with nine.[28][29] On November 22, Eifert caught three passes for 22 yards and two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. Eifert became the franchise leader for most single-season touchdowns by a tight end.[29] On November 29, 2015, Eifert caught a touchdown in the Bengals' 31–7 win over the St. Louis Rams.[30] Eifert left the game in the third quarter with a stinger injury.[31] The injury sidelined Eifert for two games until the season finale.[32] On January 3, 2016, Eifert capped off the regular season with a touchdown in the Bengals' 24–16 win over the Baltimore Ravens.[33] He finished the 2015 season with 52 receptions for 615 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.[34] Eifert earned a bid to the 2016 Pro Bowl on Team Irvin but injured his ankle during the game.[35] He was ranked 44th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[36]

2016 season

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On April 13, 2016, the Bengals announced that they would pick up the fifth-year option of Eifert's contract.[37] The injury Eifert suffered in the 2016 Pro Bowl kept Eifert sidelined until Week 8 of the 2016 season.[38] In that game, Eifert caught nine passes for 102 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Redskins, his second 100-plus yard game of his career.[39] Eifert had his first 100-yard game since the 2015 opener and the first time he's teamed with wide receiver A. J. Green for a 100-yarder as well.[40] In Week 10, he caught three passes for 96 yards against the New York Giants.[41] In Week 12, Eifert caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.[42] In Week 13, he caught a 13-yard touchdown, his third of the season, against the Philadelphia Eagles.[43][44] In Week 14, he caught five passes for 48 yards and a season-high two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns.[45] He was placed on injured reserve on December 26, 2016, after dealing with a lingering back injury.[46] He finished the 2016 season with 29 receptions for 394 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.[47]

2017 season

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Eifert's 2017 season was again cut short due to injuries as he played in two games and had four receptions for 46 receiving yards.[48] On October 11, 2017, the Bengals announced that Eifert would undergo back surgery for the second consecutive season, putting him out for the rest of the year.[49][50] He also had a cyst surgically removed from his knee.[51]

2018 season

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Eifert playing against the Cleveland Browns in 2019.

On March 15, 2018, Eifert signed a one-year contract to remain with the Bengals.[52]

During a Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Eifert was carted off the field in the second quarter with a right ankle injury. The following day, it was revealed that Eifert suffered a broken ankle and would undergo corrective surgery, missing the remainder of the season.[53] In four games, he totaled 15 receptions for 179 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[54]

2019 season

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On March 16, 2019, Eifert signed a one-year contract to remain with the Bengals.[55] He appeared in all 16 games and started four. He totaled 43 receptions for 436 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.[56]

Jacksonville Jaguars

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On March 30, 2020, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Eifert to a two-year contract.[57]

In Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, Eifert caught three passes for 36 yards and his first touchdown as a Jaguar during the 33–30 loss.[58] He finished the 2020 season with 36 receptions for 349 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[59] In February 2021, the Jaguars declined Eifert's team option.[60]

NFL career statistics

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Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2013 CIN 15 15 39 445 11.4 61 2
2014 CIN 1 1 3 37 12.3 20 0
2015 CIN 13 12 52 615 11.8 31 13
2016 CIN 8 2 29 394 13.6 71 5
2017 CIN 2 1 4 46 11.5 22 0
2018 CIN 4 2 15 179 11.9 29 1
2019 CIN 16 4 43 436 10.1 27 3
2020 JAX 15 4 36 349 9.7 28 2
Career 74 41 221 2,501 11.3 71 26

Personal life

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Eifert's brother Grady played basketball for Purdue and started on the 2018–19 team.[61] He moved on to become a graduate assistant for the Boilermakers following his collegiate career.[62] Eifert's brother-in-law is Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin, who is married to Eifert's sister, Morgan.[63] Martin and Eifert were teammates and roommates at the University of Notre Dame.[64]

References

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  1. ^ Hayes, Reggie (September 9, 2018). "Hometown forges bond for Bengals". Journal Gazette. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  2. ^ "Tyler Eifert, 2009 Tight End". Rivals.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  3. ^ Burlage, Todd (September 7, 2012). "Newest Member of Tight End U". University of Notre Dame. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  4. ^ "Tyler Eifert College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  5. ^ "Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football School History". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  6. ^ Arnold, Keith (January 6, 2012). "Eifert returning for senior season". Inside the Irish. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  7. ^ "Notre Dame loses Rudolph to hamstring injury". ESPN.com. October 12, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  8. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2011 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  9. ^ "Tyler Eifert Named Finalist For John Mackey Award". Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website. November 21, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  10. ^ "Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert wins Mackey Award". SI.com. December 5, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  11. ^ Kercheval, Ben (January 8, 2013). "Post BCS loss, Tyler Eifert declares for the draft". NBC Sports College Football. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  12. ^ "Rating the NFL draft prospects: Wide receivers, tight ends". NFL.com. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  13. ^ "Tyler Eifert Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  14. ^ "2013 Draft Scout Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  15. ^ Farrar, Doug (April 25, 2013). "Cincinnati Bengals select Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert with the 21st overall pick". Yahoo Sports Canada. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  16. ^ "Bengals' first-round pick Eifert signs deal". ESPN.com. July 15, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  17. ^ Shetler, Matt (September 8, 2013). "Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green hauls in 2nd TD catch of day (GIF)". FanSided. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  18. ^ Hobson, Geoff (September 16, 2013). "Bengals pin Steelers". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  19. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions - October 20th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  20. ^ Hobson, Geoff (December 15, 2013). "Steelers hit Bengals in mouth". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  21. ^ Marcum, Jason (December 22, 2013). "GIF of George Iloka INT; Tyler Eifert ruled out". Stripe Hype. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  22. ^ Sessler, Marc (December 29, 2013). "Injury roundup: Megatron ruled out for Lions' finale". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
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  24. ^ Cosenza, Anthony (September 7, 2014). "Tyler Eifert Leaves Game With Elbow Injury". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  25. ^ Alper, Josh (September 10, 2016). "Tyler Eifert headed to injured reserve-return after elbow injury". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  26. ^ Hanzus, Dan (September 15, 2015). "Tyler Eifert has breakout performance against Raiders". NFL.com. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  27. ^ Kirkendall, Josh (October 11, 2015). "The amazing Tyler Eifert reception". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  28. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (November 5, 2015). "Eifert scores 3 TDs as perfect Bengals beat Browns". NFL.com. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  29. ^ a b Marcum, Jason (November 23, 2015). "Bengals vs Cardinals: Biggest winners and losers". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  30. ^ Wooden, Ryan (November 29, 2015). "Tyler Eifert Doubtful To Return With Stinger – TPS". www.todayspigskin.com. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  31. ^ Toback, Rebecca (November 29, 2015). "Hill, Burfict, Eifert among injured Bengals". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  32. ^ Fitzgerald, Matt (December 13, 2015). "Updates on Tyler Eifert's Concussion and Return". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  33. ^ Pfahler, Laurel (January 3, 2016). "Eifert's return buoys Cincinnati Bengals passing game". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  34. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2015 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  35. ^ Toback, Rebecca (January 31, 2016). "Tyler Eifert injures left foot in Pro Bowl". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  36. ^ "2016 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  37. ^ Wesseling, Chris (April 13, 2016). "Bengals exercise Tyler Eifert's fifth-year option". NFL.com. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  38. ^ Toback, Rebecca (October 23, 2016). "Tyler Eifert expected to make his 2016 debut vs Browns". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  39. ^ Terrell, Katherine (October 30, 2016). "Bengals waste big games from A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert in tie". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  40. ^ Hobson, Geoff (October 30, 2016). "AJ says it all: I feel blah". Cincinnati Bengals. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  41. ^ Rauf, Brian (November 14, 2016). "Giants Hold On For Narrow 21–20 Win Over Bengals". Chat Sports. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  42. ^ Hobson, Geoff (November 27, 2016). "Rejected". Cincinnati Bengals. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  43. ^ Hobson, Geoff (December 4, 2016). "Dalton, Bengals ground Eagles, 32–14". Cincinnati Bengals. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  44. ^ "Tyler Eifert lays out to haul in 13-yard TD pass from Andy Dalton". Cincinnati Bengals. December 4, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  45. ^ Hobson, Geoff (December 11, 2016). "Bengals run down Browns, 23–10". Cincinnati Bengals. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  46. ^ Hobson, Geoff (December 26, 2016). "Eifert, Boling go on IR". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017.
  47. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  48. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  49. ^ Jackson, Lakisha (October 11, 2017). "Bengals' Tyler Eifert to have season-ending surgery". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2019.
  50. ^ "Bengals place TE Tyler Eifert (back) on injured reserve". NFL.com. October 11, 2017. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  51. ^ Terrell, Katherine (November 18, 2017). "Bengals TE Tyler Eifert has procedure done on knee". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  52. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 15, 2018). "Tyler Eifert agrees to one-year Bengals contract". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  53. ^ "Tyler Eifert's season likely over after ugly injury". NFL.com. September 30, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  54. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  55. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (March 16, 2019). "Tyler Eifert returns to Bengals again on one-year deal". NFL.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  56. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  57. ^ Gordon, Grant (March 25, 2020). "TE Tyler Eifert signing with Jaguars on two-year deal". NFL.com. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  58. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans – September 20th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  59. ^ "Tyler Eifert 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  60. ^ Shipley, John (February 22, 2021). "Report: Jaguars Expected To Decline Tyler Eifert's 2021 Team Option". SI.com. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  61. ^ "Grady Eifert College Stats". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  62. ^ "Grady Eifert – Men's Basketball Coach". Purdue University Athletics. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  63. ^ Archer, Todd (October 6, 2016). "Zack Martin's wife won't be conflicted on whom to root for Sunday". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  64. ^ Williams, Charean (October 5, 2016). "Zack Martin and Tyler Eifert became family this summer". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
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