Former Chiefs DL Tank Tyler talks Todd Haley and more

Aug 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Kansas City Chiefs helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

A few months ago, I had an hour-long conversation with former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tank Tyler. Now retired from the NFL, Tyler spoke candidly about his unceremonious exit from pro football.

He had some interesting things to say about his stint with the Chiefs and former head coach Todd Haley. Despite his claims, which border on controversial (and perhaps conspiratorial), the former All-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive tackle out of North Carolina State seemed erudite, dispassionate, and earnest. Before we get started, I’ll issue a disclaimer:

“The views expressed by Tyler are his own and do not directly represent or reflect those of Arrowhead Addict.”

Former general manager Carl Peterson selected Tyler with the 82nd-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He logged one start in his rookie season, but soon became a full-time starter in the offseason. Tyler returned the following season as the incumbent and started all 16 games. In 2008, he posted his best NFL season, logging 41 combined tackles.

Things appeared to be looking up for Tyler, but that would quickly change in Kansas City. Tyler spent one more season at One Arrowhead Drive before being traded in the fall of 2009. A new regime took office (led by Scott Pioli), a new head coach took over the team (Haley), and in short order, Tyler was headed to the NFC to play for the Carolina Panthers.

He would spend one year in Carolina before moving on to the Chicago Bears, but he never played in another NFL game after failing to survive the Panthers’ final round of cuts in Sept. 2010. Tyler had a short stay in Chicago that ended one year later and he never returned to the pro game. He suspects there were forces behind his inability to return to the league and he wasted no time enumerating them.

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