Locals in the NFL: How former BYU NT Khyiris Tonga led to Chiefs RB’s career game on Monday Night Football

AROUND THE SHIELD — After spending time with five teams in his first five years int he National Football League, former BYU nose tackle Khyiris Tonga found a measure of stability in Kansas City this offseason.

The 6-foot-2, 335-pound defensive lineman who prepped at Granger High showed his gratitude in the Chiefs’ season opener on Monday Night Football on ESPN.

Tonga had a tackle on defense, and powered two touchdown drives at fullback in Kansas City’s 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos to wrap up the first week of the 2026 regular season.

The fearsome down lineman must’ve had some idea that he would be asked to play both ways in his first regular-season game with the Chiefs Kingdom, too.

“We’ll see,” Tonga told reporters in the days leading up to kickoff, with a wide smile. “We’ll see what coaches got.”

The coaches got it.

Former Chiefs QB Alex Smith getting it going for Chiefs Kingdom 🚨 pic.twitter.com/XEydQ5MCxc

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 15, 2026

After former Utah star quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith opened the festivities at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs erupted in celebration with an overpowering ground game — 220 net rushing yards to the Broncos’ 61.

Kenneth Walker ran for a career-high 173 yards and a touchdown, and also caught three passes for 18 yards including a 2-yard pitch from Patrick Mahomes that helped the Chiefs (1-0) pull away for good.

Tonga’s yardage won’t show up in the stats. But his contributions are no less noted as he filled into the back field at fullback behind fellow BYU alum Kingsley Suamataia, who started at left guard.

Tonga started at nose tackle for the Chiefs, and also came in as a fullback during Kansas City’s 10-play, 46-yard opening drive that ended in Mahomes’ 16-yard rushing score en route to a 14-7 halftime advantage.

It’s not the first time the former BYU and Granger High standout has been used on offense. Tonga signed a three-year contract with the Chiefs in March reportedly worth $21 million after spending time with New England and Arizona — and occasionally lining up in the backfield with both.

He did it again to open the second half, lining up as a blocking fullback, blocking on defender near the line of scrimmage , and bouncing downfield as an eligible receiver for a stiff-arm before Walker’s 60-yard touchdown run with 12:43 left in the third quarter.

149 yards and counting on the ground for Kenneth Walker III

DENvsKC on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/5feESVSs7Q

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2026

“I just want to be able to do my job, if that’s stopping the run or pushing the pocket or getting to the quarterback. I’m just here to do whatever I can to get some wins and help this defense be where we need to be at.”

Kansas City hosts the Colts in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football on NBC. The Broncos (0-1) return home to host Jacksonville on CBS.

To see how other former Utah high school and college football standouts performed in the first week of the 2026 NFL regular season, click here.

Locals in the NFL, Week 1: Monday Night Football

Kansas City 31, Denver 10

Chiefs (1-0)

• Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU/Orem High: Started at left guard
• Khyiris Tonga, DT, BYU/Granger High: Starting nose tackle finished with a tackle on defense, and also played fullback on offense
• Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State: Reserve receiver made one tackle on special teams
• Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Kearns High (via Oregon): Reserve linebacker made one tackle on special teams
• Alohi Gilman, S, Orem High (via Notre Dame): Starting safety totaled three tackles on defense

Broncos (0-1)

• Garett Bolles, OT, Utah/Snow/Westlake High: Started at left tackle
• Jonah Elliss, LB, Utah: Starting linebacker finished with a tackle and a quarterback hit on defense
• Dallan Bentley, TE, Utah: Inactive for Week 1
• Karene Reid, LB, Utah: Reserve linebacker made one tackle on special teams