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Tyji Armstrong

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Tyji Armstrong
No. 86, 81, 89
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1970-10-03) October 3, 1970 (age 54)
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
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Tyji Donrapheal Armstrong (born October 3, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a 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 life

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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

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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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)

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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His mother suffered a fatal heart attack while watching him play against the Chicago Bears on October 18, 1992.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Bucs Rookie Emerges From His Pained Past". July 29, 1992. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  2. ^ "1992 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  3. ^ "Bucs Reach New Low In Rams 'loss". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  4. ^ "Transactions". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  5. ^ "Enforcers' Armstrong Plays This One For Mom". Chicago Tribune. February 24, 2001. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  6. ^ "Transactions". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  7. ^ "Transactions". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  8. ^ "It's A Year Of Tragedy For Bucs' Armstrong". October 20, 1992. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
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