Tyrek Funderburk Bio
Tyrek Funderburk, born on November 28, 2000, is an American professional football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He currently plays for the Carolina Panthers, having previously spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Minnesota Vikings. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, Funderburk has built his professional career through determination and versatility in the secondary.
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Funderburk signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent and earned a spot on the final roster. He later moved to the Minnesota Vikings before signing a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers in January 2026, continuing his journey in the league.
Early Life and Background
Tyrek Funderburk was born and raised in Indian Trail, North Carolina, a growing suburban community located just southeast of Charlotte. Growing up in this region, known for producing competitive football talent, helped shape his early interest in the sport. He attended Metrolina Christian Academy, where he developed his skills as a cornerback and earned recognition as a college prospect.
At Metrolina Christian Academy, Funderburk played multiple seasons of high school football, refining the coverage and tackling techniques that would later define his playing style. His performance at the school drew the attention of college recruiters, and he ultimately committed to play at the collegiate level rather than pursuing other opportunities. The foundation built during his high school years prepared him for the physical and mental demands of college football.
Path to American Football
Coming out of high school, Funderburk committed to play college football for the Richmond Spiders, the athletic program representing the University of Richmond in Virginia. This commitment marked the beginning of a long collegiate journey that would span five years and two different programs. His decision to join the Spiders reflected both his competitive ambitions and his desire to develop his craft at the FCS level.
Funderburk played five seasons for the Richmond Spiders, gaining valuable experience and earning conference recognition along the way. He was named Second-team All-CAA in both 2020 and 2021, establishing himself as one of the top defensive backs in the Colonial Athletic Association. After the 2022 season, Funderburk entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity to showcase his abilities at a higher level of competition.
In 2023, Funderburk transferred to Appalachian State, joining the Mountaineers for his final collegiate season. The move to the Sun Belt Conference provided him with a stronger platform to demonstrate his coverage skills against top-tier competition. His performance that year was outstanding, earning him First-team All-Sun Belt honors and cementing his status as an NFL prospect heading into the 2024 draft cycle.
Tyrek Funderburk Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
Tyrek Funderburk’s early career was defined by his time at Richmond, where he spent five seasons developing into a reliable cornerback. During his tenure with the Spiders, he earned Second-team All-CAA recognition in both 2020 and 2021, signaling his growth as a defensive back. These honors reflected his consistency in coverage and his ability to contribute in key moments for the Richmond defense.
After entering the transfer portal following the 2022 season, Funderburk joined Appalachian State for the 2023 campaign. His lone season with the Mountaineers produced his most impressive collegiate results, as he earned First-team All-Sun Belt recognition. This performance helped position him as a legitimate professional prospect entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
NFL Breakthrough (2024)
Tyrek Funderburk went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his journey to the professional level was far from over. Shortly after the draft concluded, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent, accepting an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. His performance during training camp and the preseason was strong enough to earn him a place on the team’s final roster, a significant achievement for an undrafted rookie.
During his rookie season with the Buccaneers, Funderburk appeared in regular-season action and contributed on special teams and in the secondary. He recorded 14 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection, demonstrating his willingness to play physical football and make plays when called upon. These statistics reflected a productive first year for a young cornerback learning the professional game.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2025)
On August 26, 2025, Funderburk was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an injury designation as part of the league’s final roster cuts. Just over two weeks later, on September 11, 2025, he was signed to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, providing him with an opportunity to continue his development within a new organization. Joining the practice squad allowed Funderburk to remain active in the NFL while working toward a potential promotion to the active roster.
Carolina Panthers Era (2026–Present)
On January 12, 2026, Tyrek Funderburk signed a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers, securing his place with the franchise for the upcoming season. Reserve/future contracts are typically offered to players who spend time on practice squads, allowing teams to retain talent ahead of the new league year. This move represented a fresh start for Funderburk as he continues his professional career in the NFC South.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Tyrek Funderburk’s career came when he made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ final roster as an undrafted free agent in 2024, a rare achievement for players without draft pedigree. His Second-team All-CAA selections in 2020 and 2021, followed by a First-team All-Sun Belt nod in 2023, marked his progression as one of the most consistent defensive backs in his college conferences. Each roster move, from the Buccaneers to the Vikings and finally the Panthers, has demonstrated his resilience and continued value to NFL teams.
Tyrek Funderburk Career Stats
Tyrek Funderburk’s professional career has been marked by steady production despite navigating multiple teams in a short span. During his 2024 rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he accumulated 14 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. These numbers reflect his role as a depth cornerback and special teams contributor, areas where young defensive backs typically establish themselves before earning expanded defensive responsibilities.
Tyrek Funderburk Family
Personal Life
Tyrek Funderburk was raised in Indian Trail, North Carolina, where he attended Metrolina Christian Academy during his formative years. He has maintained a connection to his hometown even as his football career has taken him across the country to Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida for various team stints. Information regarding his immediate family, marital status, and children has not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Tyrek Funderburk, as he moved between multiple NFL organizations. After being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in late August 2025, he quickly found a new home on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad in September 2025. His time with the Vikings provided him with an opportunity to refine his skills and remain within an NFL program during the regular season.
Funderburk’s role with the Vikings centered on practice squad development, where he worked closely with the team’s coaching staff to improve his technique and understanding of the defensive scheme. This period allowed him to maintain his physical conditioning and stay prepared for any potential call-up to the active roster. His work ethic during this stretch helped position him for his next opportunity in the league.
Looking ahead, Funderburk’s signing of a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers in January 2026 sets the stage for the 2025 NFL season and beyond. The agreement gives him a clear path to compete for a roster spot with the Panthers and continue building his professional resume. His journey from undrafted free agent to multi-team veteran underscores his persistence and dedication to the game of football.