Tyler Matakevich: From Underdog Linebacker To NFL Special Teams Star
Discover the inspiring journey of Tyler Matakevich, from his early days in Connecticut to becoming one of the NFL’s most respected special teams players. Learn how hard work, grit, and leadership shaped his career.
Jul 23, 202527.8K Shares409K Views
He climbed from being a late-round pick to one of the NFL’s most respected special teams players, earning the nickname “Dirty Red” for his red hair and fierce work rate on cover units. Tyler Matakevichplayed nine seasons with the Steelers and the Buffalo Bills, racking up more special teams tackles than any active player in the AFC. He made his mark in college by winning top national awards like the Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski Trophies in 2015 and setting Temple’s all-time tackles record. Still active in the league in 2025, he returned to Pittsburgh in 2024, bringing leadership and special teams dominance wherever he plays.
Early Life
Tyler John Matakevich was born on December 22, 1992, in Stratford, Connecticut. He went to St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, where he played both linebacker and running back in football and also played baseball. Over his high school football career, he rushed for 2,357 yards, had 1,355 receiving yards, totaled 3,898 all-purpose yards on offense, and made 371 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, plus three forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and eight interceptions. He scored 59 total touchdowns. During a scrimmage in his senior year, he broke his foot and missed five games. After graduating high school, he spent a year at Milford Academy in New Berlin, New York, before accepting an offer to attend Temple University.
College Career
Tyler Matakevich played college football at Temple University from 2012 through 2015. As a freshman in 2012, he played in all 13 games, made his first start in Week 5, and became the first freshman in school history to record 100 tackles, finishing with 101. As a sophomore, he had 137 tackles, one sack and one interception. As a junior, he recorded 117 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception. During his senior year, he became the seventh player in FBS history to record 100 tackles all four years. Leading Temple to the inaugural American Athletic Conference Championship during his final year of eligibility, Matakevich received national honors including the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award. He also became Temple's third consensus All‑American. During the 2015 Boca Raton Bowl, he broke the school's record for career tackles, finishing with 493. For the season he had 138 tackles, 4.5 sacks and five interceptions.
He finished his college career as Temple’s all‑time leader in tackles with 493. His 2013 season included a school and conference record of 24 tackles in a game at Idaho. He was a team captain as a junior and senior, and in 2015 he was the only player in FBS to lead his team in tackles in every game. He was a finalist for national defensive awards, such as the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Lombardi Award.
Professional Career
Tyler Matakevich entered the NFL when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he played in all 16 games as a backup inside linebacker and special teams player. He registered 20 tackles, playing in every regular-season game and appearing in his first playoff game when the Steelers beat the Dolphins in the Wild Card round.
From 2017 to 2019, Matakevich remained a key member of Pittsburgh’s special teams unit, appearing in 16, 15, and 16 games respectively. In 2017, he notably blocked a punt that set up a touchdown against the Browns. For the seasons of 2018 and 2019, he continued to make contributions on special teams while also adding a few tackles on defense, finishing his first Steelers stint with over 60% special teams play share each year.
In 2020, Matakevich signed with the Buffalo Bills on a two-year deal. He played in 16 games that season, making 16 tackles and four assisted tackles. He earned a one-year extension in 2021, and in the 2021 season, he appeared in 17 games and recorded 13 solo tackles, 10 assisted stops, three sacks, and one interception returned for 15 yards.
In 2022 and 2023, Matakevich continued with the Bills, appearing in all 16 and 17 games respectively, primarily on special teams and as a backup linebacker. He logged 3 tackles each in both seasons, plus two sacks in 2023. He was also named a special teams captain during his time with Buffalo.
He returned to the Steelers in 2024 on a one-year deal. Up to the current season, he has played in 11 games and made 4 solo tackles on defense and special teams. Across his nine NFL seasons, Matakevich has played 140 regular-season games, recording 136 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 16 sacks, and playing a major role on special teams throughout his career.
Off the field, Matakevich is known for his leadership and community work. He leads annual youth football camps in Connecticut, often traveling back to help coach and mentor local young athletes, showing his commitment beyond the field. Over his career, Matakevich has become one of the most respected special teams players in the AFC, known for his hustle, team spirit, and steady play wherever he’s been.
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