Tykevius Chandler Bio
Tykevius Chandler is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers before transferring to the North Carolina Tar Heels. Over the course of his college career, he established himself as a standout performer, achieving notable highs such as being named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2021. He was selected by the Vikings in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, and since then has contributed significantly to the team’s offensive backfield.
Early Life and Background
Tykevius Chandler was born on May 12, 1998, in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Montgomery Bell Academy, where he excelled in football and was recognized as Tennessee Mr. Football during both his junior and senior years. This early recognition highlighted his potential and set the stage for his future in the sport.
Path to American Football
Chandler began his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, where he played from 2017 to 2020 under head coaches Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt. During his time at Tennessee, he made history by becoming the first running back in school history to score a receiving touchdown in three consecutive games. Over four seasons, he rushed for 2,046 yards and 13 touchdowns. After his senior season, he transferred to the University of North Carolina, joining the Tar Heels as a graduate transfer under head coach Mack Brown. In his lone season with North Carolina, Chandler rushed for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.
Tykevius Chandler Career
Early Career (2022)
Tykevius Chandler was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He faced challenges early in his professional career, being placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury shortly after the start of the season. However, he was activated later in the year and made his debut in the Vikings’ Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears, where he recorded six carries for 20 rushing yards.
Breakthrough (2023)
In the 2023 season, Chandler began as the second-string running back behind Alexander Mattison. His breakthrough came in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, where he scored his first professional touchdown on a two-yard rush. Later, in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he made his first NFL start, rushing for a career-high 132 yards on 23 carries. Throughout the 2023 season, Chandler appeared in all 17 games, starting the last four, and recorded 102 carries for 461 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tykevius Chandler’s signature work includes his impressive performances during the 2023 season, where he established himself as a reliable contributor to the Vikings’ offense. His achievements, including his first professional touchdown and a career-high rushing performance, have marked significant milestones in his young career.
Tykevius Chandler Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tykevius Chandler has received recognition for his performance on the field, including being named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2021.
Tykevius Chandler Awards Won
While Tykevius Chandler has not yet secured major awards in his professional career, his collegiate achievements, including the second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honor, highlight his talent and potential.
Tykevius Chandler Family
Information regarding Tykevius Chandler’s family background is not publicly available. He has kept details about his personal life private.
Personal Life
Tykevius Chandler has not publicly disclosed information about his personal life, including marital status or children. He remains focused on his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings.
