Laremy Tunsil

BIOGRAPHY

Laremy Tunsil’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding ambition toward achieving greatness as a professional football athlete. An American offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL), he has an interesting and inspiring journey, from playing college football for Ole Miss Rebels to being embroiled in controversies to steadily rising up the ranks and establishing himself as an NFL icon.

Laremy Alexander Tunsil, born August 2, 1994, hails from Lake City, Florida. It was at Columbia High School that Laremy showcased early signs of his football prowess and emerged as a promising junior athlete. At the school, he excelled as a player on the football team and mixed athletics with shot putting on the track and field team. As a two-time All-State offensive lineman for the Tigers football team, much credit for his development as an effective offensive tackle goes to his intense practice routines against defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan, his teammate at Columbia.

In his senior year at Columbia High School, Tunsil unleashed his capability as a lethal offensive weapon, enabling his High School to average an impressive 275 rushing yards per game. The team’s victory-streak led them to the FHSAA Class 6A state quarterfinals, where they eventually succumbed to Navarre High School. Despite the loss, Tunsil was invited to play in the renowned 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, marking a noteworthy achievement in his early football career.

Lauded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Tunsil was swamped with offers from every major BCS program. His standing as the highest-ranked offensive tackle prospect was unquestionable. With a plethora of options available, Tunsil evaluated his choices keenly, aspiring to start as a true freshman. Initially inclining towards Georgia, he had a change of heart after visiting Ole Miss in late January, which he eventually committed to on National Signing Day.

When Tunsil played at Ole Miss in 2013, the young athlete stormed his way through, playing every game and starring in all but four. SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week reflected his building reputation, and he garnered SEC All-Freshman honors and first-team Freshman All-American honors. His performance did not falter even with a torn bicep injury that forced him to miss a couple of games; his tenacity helped him earn the All-SEC title by the Associated Press.

Laremy Tunsil’s journey was not without challenges, though. He was accused by his stepfather of taking improper benefits from sports agents before his junior season. As a result, he missed the first seven games of the season as he was suspended by the NCAA and later reinstated. Even with a truncated season, Tunsil managed to put up a solid performance, which unfortunately did not earn him a place in the All-American team.

Defying a setback-ridden college career, Tunsil announced his decision to enter the 2016 NFL draft and was predicted to be among the top left tackles in the league. A shocking video leak on his Twitter account however, resulted in Tunsil sliding down the draft, but he was eventually picked as the 13th overall pick by Miami Dolphins. Undeterred, Tunsil went on to sign a $12.45 million four-year contract with the Dolphins and had an impressive rookie season.

Tunsil’s perseverance was rewarded when he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and continued to sail through the ranks despite several challenges. After four seasons with Miami Dolphins, he was traded to the Houston Texans. His ascension continued in Houston, where he secured his spot as a leading offensive tackle, became the highest-paid offensive lineman in terms of annual value, and earned multiple Pro Bowl nominations.

Despite the highs and the lows of his decorated career so far, Laremy Tunsil’s story reflects his unwavering resolve to face challenges head-on, a narrative filled with peaks and valleys offering an insightful portrayal of a football star who continues to inspire future generations.