Robert Tonyan

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Joseph Tonyan Jr., an esteemed American football player, was born on April 30, 1994. He currently plays as a professional tight end for the Minnesota Vikings as part of the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the Vikings in 2024, his career has seen him through multiple teams, notable among them are the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears.

Born and raised in McHenry, Illinois, Tonyan attended McHenry Community High School’s East Campus. Here he established himself as a formidable athlete, earning letters in both basketball and football twice. He excelled as a quarterback during his high school career, earning all-conference titles in his junior and senior years. Additionally, he set an impressive school record with a whopping total of 5,000 career passing yards.

In 2012, Tonyan enrolled at Indiana State University. Following a redshirt year, he showcased his skills in college football for four consecutive years. During his freshman season in 2013, he debuted as a starting quarterback in three out of 11 games, finishing the season with 35 completed passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns. This included a remarkable 57-yard touchdown that marked his first career completion.

In his sophomore year, Tonyan changed his position to a wide receiver and performed remarkably, proving his versatility. He ended the season with 54 receptions for 747 yards, ranking him 6th in the school’s history; and threw four touchdowns, one of which resulted in a career-high 172 yards.

Tonyan’s junior year saw him start in only six out of 11 games. However, he still managed to end the season with 40 receptions for 601 yards, securing him the 14th spot in the school’s history, and achieved six touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him an honorable mention on the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference team.

Graduating as a fifth-year senior, Tonyan marked his exceptional collegiate career with 56 receptions for 699 yards (ranking ninth all-time), and set a school-record by achieving ten touchdowns. He also set several career records for the Sycamores, such as 20 touchdown receptions, receipt in 21 consecutive games, and two games with three receiving touchdowns. His total caps stood second to Sam Logan at 150 receptions and 2,047 yards.

On May 12, 2017, Tonyan commenced his professional career in the NFL by signing a three-year, $1.66 million contract with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. Although released before the start of the season, he retained his resolve. His patient perseverance rewarded him when he was signed to the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers for the final four games of the 2017 season, making his first NFL reception in the following 2018 season.

Over the next three seasons, Tonyan, albeit injured occasionally, performed remarkably well. He was rewarded with key contract extensions by the Packers, ensuring his continued inclusion in the team. His most significant accomplishment came in 2020 when he led the Packers to victory over the Atlanta Falcons with a career-high three touchdown catches earning him national recognition. Tonyan re-signed with the Packers in 2022 for another year, but abruptly ended the season due to a knee injury.

In 2023, Tonyan signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, where he played in all 17 games and made 11 catches for 112 yards. After a stint with the Bears, Tonyan began his current tenure with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Despite being released in August only to be re-signed to the practice squad, Tonyan relentless pursuit of the sport led to his promotion to the Vikings active roster on October 3.

Although his journey so far has been marked by tough challenges and personal victories, one can’t help but anticipate an even brighter future for this American football star in his promising career. The vigor, determination, and zeal that Robert Joseph Tonyan Jr. brings to the field demonstrate his limitless potential in the world of professional football.