Tyji Armstrong
| No. 86, 81, 89 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Tight end |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 3, 1970 Inkster, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight: | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Dearborn Heights (MI) Robichaud |
| College: | Mississippi |
| NFL draft: | 1992 / Round: 3 / Pick: 79 |
| Career history | |
| |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Career NFL statistics | |
| Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |
Tyji Donrapheal Armstrong (born October 3, 1970) is a former professional American football tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and St. Louis Rams. He also was a member of the Chicago Enforcers in the XFL league. He played college football at the University of Mississippi.
Early years[edit]
Armstrong attended Robichaud High School, before moving on to Iowa Central Junior College.
After his sophomore season he transferred to the University of Mississippi, where he was a two-year starter as a blocking tight end. As a junior, he was a backup behind Camp Roberts, making 5 receptions for 84 yards (16.8-yard average). As a senior, he registered 16 receptions (fifth on the team) for 304 yards (19-yard avg.) and one touchdown.[1] He finished his college career with 21 receptions for 388 yards (18.5-yard avg.) and one touchdown.
Professional career[edit]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers[edit]
Armstrong was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round (79th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft.[2] As a rookie, he started 7 games and although he was mostly used as a blocking tight end, he was a part of one of the longest passing plays in franchise history, an 81-yard touchdown reception against the Los Angeles Rams on December 6.[3] In 1992 and 1993 he was a backup to Ron Hall, and from 1994 to 1995 to Jackie Harris. He was waived on August 25, 1996.[4]
Dallas Cowboys (first stint)[edit]
On August 27, 1996, the Dallas Cowboys signed him for blocking purposes after tight end Kendell Watkins was lost for the season. He appeared in 16 games with 7 starts, registering 2 receptions for 10 yards. He announced his retirement after the Cowboys didn't re-sign him and selected David LaFleur in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft.[5]
St. Louis Rams[edit]
On July 19, 1998, he was signed by the St. Louis Rams as a free agent. He played as a backup in 12 games, while making 6 receptions for 54 yards. He retired at the end of the season because he felt that he should be starting over rookie tight end Ernie Conwell.
Dallas Cowboys (second stint)[edit]
On August 17, 2000, he was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.[6] On August 27, he was released to make room for tight end O.J. Santiago.[7]
Chicago Enforcers[edit]
In 2001, he signed with the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL league and was coached under Ron Meyer. He posted 6 receptions for 49 yards and played with the team until the league folded at the end of its debut season.
Personal life[edit]
His mother suffered a fatal heart attack while watching him play against the Chicago Bears on October 18, 1992.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ "Bucs Rookie Emerges From His Pained Past". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- ^ "1992 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
- ^ "Bucs Reach New Low In Rams 'loss". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- ^ "Transactions". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- ^ "Enforcers' Armstrong Plays This One For Mom". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- ^ "Transactions". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- ^ "Transactions". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- ^ "It's A Year Of Tragedy For Bucs' Armstrong". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
External links[edit]
- 1970 births
- Living people
- People from Dearborn Heights, Michigan
- Players of American football from Wayne County, Michigan
- American football tight ends
- Iowa Central Tritons football players
- Ole Miss Rebels football players
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers players
- Dallas Cowboys players
- St. Louis Rams players
- Chicago Enforcers players