Tanoh Kpassagnon

Tanoh Kpassagnon's Biography

Tanoh Kpassagnon, born on June 14, 1994, stands as an accomplished American professional football player. While he currently dominates as a defensive end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL), his journey to this point is just as impressive as his present career.

Raised in Pennsylvania, Kpassagnon’s exceptional talent emerged during his high school days at Wissahickon High School in Ambler. His skills on the field eventually led to a scholarship offer from Villanova University, where he embarked on a life-changing journey blending academics and athletics.

Kpassagnon commenced his Villanova journey as a redshirted freshman. Initially, he played as a tight end, but his natural talent matured by his junior year, seeing him transition to defensive end. His senior year truly cast the spotlight on his aptitude as he was named the Colonial Athletic Association’s defensive player of the year due to his outstanding performance of recording 11 sacks. One of his remarkable moments was during a game against Pittsburgh when he blocked a field goal and tackled two losses.

Accompanying his sports achievements was his academic progress. Kpassagnon pursued a financially inclined academic path, double majoring in accounting and finance. His dedication to his studies led to summer internships at PricewaterhouseCoopers accounting firm.

Alongside his college career, Kpassagnon’s presence was also felt in the Senior Bowl. His dual tackles and a sack significantly influenced the South’s victory over the North. His participation in the NFL Combine, Villanova’s Pro Day, and private workouts with various NFL teams showcased his impressive skills.

His impressive credentials led to several predictions about his draft prospects. NFL draft experts ranked Kpassagnon among the top defensive ends, raising expectations for his draft.

Subsequently, he was selected as the seventh defensive end by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the NFL 2017 draft with the 59th overall pick. On June 7, 2017, he rightfully joined the Chiefs under a four-year contract worth $4.32 million.

Kpassagnon quickly adapted to the Chiefs team dynamics. He engaged in a healthy competition with his fellow teammates during the training camp for the vacant starting defensive end position. His exceptional athleticism and flexibility allowed him to fill in various roles, such as an outside linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle.

His first professional game was a victorious match against the Patriots, which marked the beginning of his incredible professional career. Throughout his tenure with the Chiefs, he made significant contributions, including sacking quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the AFC Championship game against Tennessee Titans, assisting in securing the Chiefs’ first championship in 50 years during Super Bowl LIV.

In the following season against the Falcons, Kpassagnon made an exceptional move by tipping a potential game-tying field goal. The season ended with him recording 28 total tackles, a sack, and three passes defensed.

After transitioning to the Saints in 2021 under a two-year contract, Kpassagnon continued to excel. 2023 saw an extension of his contract, despite injury worries that placed him in injured reserve in December 2021. Despite an Achilles tendon tear that sidelined him in 2024, his standout performance came in Week 15 against the New York Giants, where he recorded three sacks, a career-high.

Coming from a family with roots in Ivory Coast and Uganda, Kpassagnon has often spoken about the influence his parents have had on his life. His mother, Winifred Wafwoyo, a chemist, and his father, Patrice Kpassagnon Tagro, an economist, no doubt played a pivotal role in forming his dual passion for sports and academics, eventually leading him to his current career heights. Despite occasional setbacks, his skill and perseverance make him a key figure to watch in American football history.