Tyler Eifert
{{Short description|American football player (born 1990)}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Tyler Eifert
| image = TylerEifert.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Eifert with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013
| current_team =
| number = 85, 88
| position = Tight end
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|9|8|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| high_school = Bishop Dwenger {{nowrap|(Fort Wayne)}}
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 6
| weight_lbs = 255
| college = Notre Dame (2009–2012)
| draftyear = 2013
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 21
| pastteams =
- Cincinnati Bengals ({{NFL Year|2013}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})
- Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2020}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Pro Bowl (2015)
- John Mackey Award (2012)
- Ozzie Newsome Award (2011)
- First-team All-American (2011)
- Second-team All-American (2012)
| statleague = NFL
| statseason =
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Receptions
| statvalue1 = 221
| statlabel2 = Receiving yards
| statvalue2 = 2,501
| statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 26
|pfr=EifeTy00
}}
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.
Early life
Eifert attended Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic School and Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Reggie |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Hometown forges bond for Bengals |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/professional/nfl/20180909/hometown-forges-bond-for-bengals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017203355/http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/professional/nfl/20180909/hometown-forges-bond-for-bengals |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |access-date=October 17, 2018 |website=Journal Gazette}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert, 2009 Tight End |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2009/tyler-eifert-24826 |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}
College career
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.{{Cite web |last=Burlage |first=Todd |date=September 7, 2012 |title=Newest Member of Tight End U |url=https://und.com/news/2012/9/7/Newest_Member_of_Tight_End_U.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018002950/https://und.com/news/2012/9/7/Newest_Member_of_Tight_End_U.aspx |archive-date=October 18, 2018 |access-date=October 17, 2018 |website=University of Notre Dame |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tyler-eifert-1.html |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football School History |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} As a freshman in 2009, Eifert played in only one game after suffering a back injury.{{Cite web |last=Arnold |first=Keith |date=January 6, 2012 |title=Eifert returning for senior season |url=https://irish.nbcsports.com/2012/01/06/eifert-returning-for-senior-season/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Inside the Irish |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2010 |title=Notre Dame loses Rudolph to hamstring injury |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=5677259 |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tyler-eifert-1/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} 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.{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2011 |title=Tyler Eifert Named Finalist For John Mackey Award |url=https://und.com/tyler-eifert-named-finalist-for-john-mackey-award/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2012 |title=Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert wins Mackey Award |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2012/12/05/tyler-eifert-mackey-award-ap |access-date=October 17, 2018 |website=SI.com |language=en}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Kercheval |first=Ben |date=January 8, 2013 |title=Post BCS loss, Tyler Eifert declares for the draft |url=https://collegefootball.nbcsports.com/2013/01/08/post-bcs-loss-tyler-eifert-declares-for-the-draft/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=NBC Sports College Football |language=en-US}}
= College statistics =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="4"| 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 | ||||
| colspan="2"|[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tyler-eifert-1.html Career] | 37 | 140 | 1,840 | 13.1 | 11 |
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 5 1/2
| weight = 250
| dash = 4.68
| ten split = 1.65
| twenty split = 2.76
| shuttle = 4.32
| cone drill = 6.92
| vertical = 35.5
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 11
| bench = 22
| arm span = 33 1/8
| hand span = 9 1/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyler-eifert/32004549-4613-1143-bfd0-182bad3b5b94 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2013 Draft Scout Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=90213&DraftYear=2013 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=Cincinnati Bengals=
== 2013 season ==
Eifert was selected in the first round with the 21st overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2013 NFL draft.{{Cite news |last=Farrar |first=Doug |date=April 25, 2013 |title=Cincinnati Bengals select Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert with the 21st overall pick |work=Yahoo Sports Canada |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/cincinnati-bengals-select-notre-dame-te-tyler-eifert-023900953--nfl.html |access-date=October 31, 2016}} On July 15, 2013, Eifert signed a four-year, $8.25 million rookie contract with the Bengals.{{Cite news |date=July 15, 2013 |title=Bengals' first-round pick Eifert signs deal |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9480383/cincinatti-bengals-first-round-pick-tyler-eifert-signs-deal |access-date=October 31, 2016}}
On September 8, 2013, Eifert made his NFL debut, recording five receptions for 47 yards in a 24–21 loss to the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |last=Shetler |first=Matt |date=September 8, 2013 |title=Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green hauls in 2nd TD catch of day (GIF) |url=http://fansided.com/2013/09/08/cincinnati-bengals-wr-j-green-hauls-2nd-td-catch-day-gif/ |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=FanSided}} On September 16, Eifert caught three passes for 66 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=September 16, 2013 |title=Bengals pin Steelers |url=http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-pin-Steelers/33ae6419-4e37-45b5-bdd8-46456c44ae4e |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106195125/http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-pin-Steelers/33ae6419-4e37-45b5-bdd8-46456c44ae4e |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Bengals.com}} On October 20, Eifert caught his first career touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Andy Dalton against the Detroit Lions.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions - October 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200det.htm |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 15, 2013, Eifert caught his second touchdown of his career against the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=December 15, 2013 |title=Steelers hit Bengals in mouth |url=http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Steelers-hit-Bengals-in-mouth/b1d64909-3563-44f5-8edd-f25d1b6efd07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226235040/http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Steelers-hit-Bengals-in-mouth/b1d64909-3563-44f5-8edd-f25d1b6efd07 |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Bengals.com}} On December 22, Eifert left the game against the Minnesota Vikings early with a stinger injury.{{Cite web |last=Marcum |first=Jason |date=December 22, 2013 |title=GIF of George Iloka INT; Tyler Eifert ruled out |url=http://stripehype.com/2013/12/22/gif-george-iloka-int-tyler-eifert-ruled/ |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Stripe Hype}} This injury sidelined Eifert for the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=December 29, 2013 |title=Injury roundup: Megatron ruled out for Lions' finale |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000305027/article/injury-roundup-megatron-ruled-out-for-lion_1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031085619/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000305027/article/injury-roundup-megatron-ruled-out-for-lion_1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=October 30, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} He finished his rookie season with 39 receptions for 445 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
== 2014 season ==
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.{{Cite web |last=Cosenza |first=Anthony |date=September 7, 2014 |title=Tyler Eifert Leaves Game With Elbow Injury |url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/9/7/6118017/bengals-tight-end-tyler-eifert-leaves-ravens-game-with-elbow-injury |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Cincy Jungle}} He was placed on injured reserve on September 10, 2014, and ended up being out for the season.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=September 10, 2016 |title=Tyler Eifert headed to injured reserve-return after elbow injury |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/10/tyler-eifert-headed-to-injured-reserve-return-after-elbow-injury/ |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=NBC Sports}}
File:Tyler Eifert 2015.jpg in 2015]]
== 2015 season ==
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.{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=September 15, 2015 |title=Tyler Eifert has breakout performance against Raiders |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tyler-eifert-has-breakout-performance-against-raiders-0ap3000000530534 |access-date=September 14, 2015 |website=NFL.com}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Kirkendall |first=Josh |date=October 11, 2015 |title=The amazing Tyler Eifert reception |url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/10/11/9500803/bengals-vs-seahawks-the-amazing-tyler-eifert |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Cincy Jungle}} 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.{{Cite news |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=November 5, 2015 |title=Eifert scores 3 TDs as perfect Bengals beat Browns |work=NFL.com |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/eifert-scores-3-tds-as-perfect-bengals-beat-browns-0ap3000000574042 |access-date=October 31, 2016}}{{Cite web |last=Marcum |first=Jason |date=November 23, 2015 |title=Bengals vs Cardinals: Biggest winners and losers |url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/11/23/9780546/bengals-vs-cardinals-jeremy-hill-tyler-eifert-among-winners-darqueze |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Cincy Jungle}} 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. On November 29, 2015, Eifert caught a touchdown in the Bengals' 31–7 win over the St. Louis Rams.{{Cite web |last=Wooden |first=Ryan |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Tyler Eifert Doubtful To Return With Stinger – TPS |url=http://www.todayspigskin.com/pigskin-news/tyler-eifert-doubtful-to-return-with-stinger-as-bengals-cruise/ |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=www.todayspigskin.com}} Eifert left the game in the third quarter with a stinger injury.{{Cite web |last=Toback |first=Rebecca |date=November 29, 2015 |title=Hill, Burfict, Eifert among injured Bengals |url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/11/29/9815456/bengals-jeremy-hill-vontaze-burfict-tyler-eifert-left-game-vs-rams |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Cincy Jungle}} The injury sidelined Eifert for two games until the season finale.{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Matt |date=December 13, 2015 |title=Updates on Tyler Eifert's Concussion and Return |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594807-tyler-eifert-injury-updates-on-bengals-tes-concussion-and-return |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Bleacher Report}} On January 3, 2016, Eifert capped off the regular season with a touchdown in the Bengals' 24–16 win over the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Pfahler |first=Laurel |date=January 3, 2016 |title=Eifert's return buoys Cincinnati Bengals passing game |url=http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/sports/eiferts-return-buoys-bengals-passing-game/npw5D/ |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Dayton Daily News}} He finished the 2015 season with 52 receptions for 615 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Eifert earned a bid to the 2016 Pro Bowl on Team Irvin but injured his ankle during the game.{{Cite web |last=Toback |first=Rebecca |date=January 31, 2016 |title=Tyler Eifert injures left foot in Pro Bowl |url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/1/31/10882794/tyler-eifert-injures-left-foot-in-2016-pro-bowl |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Cincy Jungle}} He was ranked 44th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
== 2016 season ==
On April 13, 2016, the Bengals announced that they would pick up the fifth-year option of Eifert's contract.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=April 13, 2016 |title=Bengals exercise Tyler Eifert's fifth-year option |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-exercise-tyler-eifert-s-fifth-year-option-0ap3000000652602 |access-date=May 1, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} The injury Eifert suffered in the 2016 Pro Bowl kept Eifert sidelined until Week 8 of the 2016 season.{{Cite web |last=Toback |first=Rebecca |date=October 23, 2016 |title=Tyler Eifert expected to make his 2016 debut vs Browns |url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/10/23/13371656/bengals-injury-update-tyler-eifert-expected-to-make-his-2016-debut-vs-browns |access-date=October 31, 2016 |website=Cincy Jungle}} 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.{{Cite news |last=Terrell |first=Katherine |date=October 30, 2016 |title=Bengals waste big games from A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert in tie |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/24639/a-j-green-beats-josh-norman-tyler-eifert-makes-impact-but-bengals-settle-for-tie-with-redskins |access-date=October 31, 2016}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=October 30, 2016 |title=AJ says it all: I feel blah |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/aj-says-it-all-i-feel-blah-17984324 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |website=Cincinnati Bengals}} In Week 10, he caught three passes for 96 yards against the New York Giants.{{Cite news |last=Rauf |first=Brian |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Giants Hold On For Narrow 21–20 Win Over Bengals |work=Chat Sports |url=http://www.chatsports.com/new-york-giants/a/giants-hold-narrow-21-20-win-over-bengals-31446 |access-date=December 17, 2016}} In Week 12, Eifert caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=November 27, 2016 |title=Rejected |url=http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Rejected/b4b42c94-6823-4fd0-91a2-74f10d523376 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211165637/http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Rejected/b4b42c94-6823-4fd0-91a2-74f10d523376 |archive-date=December 11, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |website=Cincinnati Bengals}} In Week 13, he caught a 13-yard touchdown, his third of the season, against the Philadelphia Eagles.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=December 4, 2016 |title=Dalton, Bengals ground Eagles, 32–14 |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/dalton-bengals-ground-eagles-32-14-18197355 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |website=Cincinnati Bengals}}{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2016 |title=Tyler Eifert lays out to haul in 13-yard TD pass from Andy Dalton |url=https://www.bengals.com/video/tyler-eifert-lays-out-to-haul-in-13-yard-td-pass-from-andy-dalton-18200115 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |website=Cincinnati Bengals}} In Week 14, he caught five passes for 48 yards and a season-high two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=December 11, 2016 |title=Bengals run down Browns, 23–10 |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-run-down-browns-23-10-18242623 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |website=Cincinnati Bengals}} He was placed on injured reserve on December 26, 2016, after dealing with a lingering back injury.{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=December 26, 2016 |title=Eifert, Boling go on IR |url=http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Eifert-Boling-go-on-IR/8b992bc1-aeca-41b8-81f8-f7ae46802289 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813230811/http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Eifert-Boling-go-on-IR/8b992bc1-aeca-41b8-81f8-f7ae46802289 |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |website=Bengals.com}} He finished the 2016 season with 29 receptions for 394 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2017 season==
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.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Lakisha |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Bengals' Tyler Eifert to have season-ending surgery |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000860244/article/bengals-tyler-eifert-to-undergo-seasonending-surgery |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106012205/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000860244/article/bengals-tyler-eifert-to-undergo-seasonending-surgery |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Bengals place TE Tyler Eifert (back) on injured reserve |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-place-te-tyler-eifert-back-on-injured-reserve-0ap3000000860244 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} He also had a cyst surgically removed from his knee.{{Cite web |last=Terrell |first=Katherine |date=November 18, 2017 |title=Bengals TE Tyler Eifert has procedure done on knee |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/29027/bengals-te-tyler-eifert-has-procedure-done-on-knee |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}
==2018 season==
File:Tyler Eifert vs Cleveland Browns DEC2019.jpg in 2019.]]
On March 15, 2018, Eifert signed a one-year contract to remain with the Bengals.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Tyler Eifert agrees to one-year Bengals contract |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921514/article/tyler-eifert-signs-oneyear-cincinnati-bengals-contract |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318055257/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921514/article/tyler-eifert-signs-oneyear-cincinnati-bengals-contract |archive-date=March 18, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}
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.{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2018 |title=Tyler Eifert's season likely over after ugly injury |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tyler-eifert-s-season-likely-over-after-ugly-injury-0ap3000000967958 |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} In four games, he totaled 15 receptions for 179 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2019 season==
On March 16, 2019, Eifert signed a one-year contract to remain with the Bengals.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=March 16, 2019 |title=Tyler Eifert returns to Bengals again on one-year deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tyler-eifert-returns-to-bengals-again-on-one-year-deal-0ap3000001022937 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} He appeared in all 16 games and started four. He totaled 43 receptions for 436 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Jacksonville Jaguars=
On March 30, 2020, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Eifert to a two-year contract.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=March 25, 2020 |title=TE Tyler Eifert signing with Jaguars on two-year deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/te-tyler-eifert-signing-with-jaguars-on-two-year-deal-0ap3000001107467 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans – September 20th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009200oti.htm |access-date=September 22, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the 2020 season with 36 receptions for 349 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Eifert 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In February 2021, the Jaguars declined Eifert's team option.{{Cite web |last=Shipley |first=John |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Report: Jaguars Expected To Decline Tyler Eifert's 2021 Team Option |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/news/report-jaguars-expected-to-decline-tyler-eiferts-2021-team-option |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=SI.com}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| 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 | ||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EifeTy00.htm Career] || 74 || 41 || 221 || 2,501 || 11.3 || 71 || 26 |
Personal life
Eifert's brother Grady played basketball for Purdue and started on the 2018–19 team.{{Cite web |title=Grady Eifert College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/grady-eifert-1.html |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}} He moved on to become a graduate assistant for the Boilermakers following his collegiate career.{{Cite web |title=Grady Eifert – Men's Basketball Coach |url=https://purduesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/grady-eifert/1819 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Purdue University Athletics |language=en}} Eifert's brother-in-law is Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin, who is married to Eifert's sister, Morgan.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=October 6, 2016 |title=Zack Martin's wife won't be conflicted on whom to root for Sunday |url=http://www.espn.com.au/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4754642/zack-martins-wife-wont-be-conflicted-on-whom-to-root-for-sunday |access-date=August 18, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} Martin and Eifert were teammates and roommates at the University of Notre Dame.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |author-link=Charean Williams |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Zack Martin and Tyler Eifert became family this summer |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article106269157.html |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
- {{footballstats|pfr=E/EifeTy00|yahoo=26644|espn=15788}}
- [http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/eifert_tyler00.html Notre Dame Fighting Irish bio]
{{John Mackey Award}}
{{2013 NFL Draft}}
{{BengalsFirstPick}}
{{Cincinnati Bengals 2013 draft navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eifert, Tyler}}
Category:American football tight ends
Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players
Category:Cincinnati Bengals players
Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players
Category:Players of American football from Fort Wayne, Indiana