Tyrus Wheat Bio
Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. (born December 8, 1999) is an American professional football outside linebacker who plays in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 260 pounds, Wheat has built his reputation as a hard-working defensive player through both the college and professional ranks. After entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, he has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions, steadily earning snaps on defense and special teams. His journey from a small Louisiana town to the professional level reflects years of perseverance and steady on-field production.
Early Life and Background
Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. was born on December 8, 1999, in Amite, Louisiana, a small community in the southeastern part of the state. He grew up in Amite and attended Amite High School, where he played football and developed into a rated three-star recruit by the end of his prep career. At Amite, he shared the field and the locker room with fellow native DeVonta Smith, who went on to star as a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coming out of high school, Wheat initially committed to play college football at Missouri. However, he did not qualify academically to play at the Division I level right away. As a result, he took the junior college route to continue his development and keep his long-term professional goals within reach. That decision ultimately shaped the rest of his football career and led him to the next stage of his journey.
Path to American Football
Wheat enrolled at Copiah–Lincoln Community College in Mississippi, where he spent two seasons sharpening his skills at the junior college level. During his time with the Co–Lin Wolves, he recorded 104 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, numbers that quickly attracted the attention of four-year programs. His production on the field and his steady improvement earned him the opportunity to transfer to a major college program.
In 2020, Wheat committed to Mississippi State University, joining the Bulldogs of the Southeastern Conference. He made an immediate impact as a defender and quickly became one of the team’s most reliable pass rushers. Over three seasons in Starkville, he led the Bulldogs in sacks for three consecutive years, establishing himself as one of the program’s most productive defensive linemen of his era.
Tyrus Wheat Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Wheat’s college career began at Copiah–Lincoln Community College from 2018 to 2019. Across two seasons, he developed into a disruptive defender, finishing with 104 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Those numbers made him one of the most productive junior college defenders in his region and helped him earn a transfer to Mississippi State.
Once he arrived in Starkville in 2020, Wheat stepped right into a starting role. In his first season with the Bulldogs, he started eight of nine games and led the team with five sacks. As a senior in 2022, he totaled 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 7.5 sacks. Using the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA during the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned for a third season and once again led Mississippi State with six sacks, becoming only the second player in program history to lead the team in sacks in three straight seasons.
Mississippi State Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Wheat’s three-year run at Mississippi State marked the most productive stretch of his football career. He appeared in multiple games each season, with his role growing from rotational pass rusher into full-time starter. The 2022 senior campaign was particularly strong, as he posted double-digit tackles for loss and a team-high 7.5 sacks while earning Second-team All-SEC honors.
After the 2022 season, Wheat declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. Although he went undrafted, his college production, motor, and athleticism gave him a legitimate shot at the next level. His three straight years of leading Mississippi State in sacks stood out as a rare achievement, and it set the stage for his professional opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–2025)
Wheat signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, beginning his NFL career in Texas. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but was quickly re-signed to the team’s practice squad. His work on the practice squad paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on October 16, 2023, giving him his first regular-season action in the league.
Through the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Wheat contributed on defense and special teams, finishing his Cowboys stint with 32 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection in his NFL career to date. On August 26, 2025, he was waived by Dallas as part of final roster cuts, closing his first chapter with the organization.
Detroit Lions Era (2025)
On August 27, 2025, Wheat was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, giving him a fresh start in the NFC North. He joined a Lions defense known for its aggressive front seven and pass-rushing depth. The move offered Wheat a new opportunity to compete for defensive snaps and special teams duties in a different system.
Dallas Cowboys Second Stint (2026)
On March 13, 2026, Wheat signed with the Dallas Cowboys, returning to the franchise where he began his professional career. The reunion gave him another chance to push for a roster spot and contribute on defense and special teams. His familiarity with the organization and its coaching staff made him a logical addition for the Cowboys.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining achievements of Wheat’s career came at Mississippi State, where he led the Bulldogs in sacks for three consecutive seasons. His Second-team All-SEC selection in 2022 further cemented his status as one of the conference’s top defensive linemen that year. Going undrafted in 2023 and still earning an active-roster promotion underscored his perseverance and professional approach to the game.
Tyrus Wheat Career Wins
As a defensive player, Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. has notched victories through consistent individual production rather than championship counts. His career wins are best measured in tackles, sacks, forced fumbles, and the impact plays he has delivered at the junior college, NCAA Division I FBS, and NFL levels. His resume includes team-high sack totals, postseason conference recognition, and continued opportunities at the professional level.
Tyrus Wheat Family
Personal Life
Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. carries his full name as his professional identity, including the “Sr.” designation. He grew up in Amite, Louisiana, alongside family and a close-knit community that supported his football journey from a young age. Public details about his broader family life remain limited beyond his upbringing in Amite and his well-documented friendship with fellow Amite native and NFL player DeVonta Smith.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Wheat being waived by the Dallas Cowboys on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts. He did not stay on the open market long, however, as the Detroit Lions claimed him off waivers the very next day on August 27, 2025. The quick transition gave him a clear opportunity to compete for a role on Detroit’s defense and special teams units.
Joining the Lions placed Wheat in one of the league’s most aggressive defensive schemes, where he could focus on rushing the passer and contributing on special teams. His career totals through the 2025 season stand at 32 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass deflection, reflecting steady if unspectacular production as he continues to earn his defensive snaps. His trajectory suggests an opportunity to expand his role as the season progresses.
After his time with Detroit in 2025, Wheat signed back with the Dallas Cowboys on March 13, 2026, beginning a new chapter with the franchise. Looking ahead, his focus will be on securing a steady defensive role, building on his pass-rushing résumé, and contributing to a team with championship aspirations. With three years of leading a Power Five program in sacks already on his resume, Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. remains a determined young defender aiming to carve out a long NFL career.
