Tyler Gregory Eifert (born September 8, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, receiving All-American honors, and was recognized as the top college tight end. Eifert was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Early years
Eifert attended Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic School and Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He played tight end and defensive back in football and power forward in basketball. As a senior, he had nine touchdowns on offense and 97 tackles and five interceptions on defense. Considered only a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he chose to attend Notre Dame over other offers from Indiana, Minnesota, and Purdue.
College career
Eifert enrolled in the University of Notre Dame, where he played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team from 2009 to 2012 under head coaches Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly. As a freshman in 2009, Eifert played in only one game after suffering a back injury. As a sophomore in 2010, he entered the season as a backup to Kyle Rudolph but took over as the starter after Rudolph suffered a season-ending injury. He finished the season with 27 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. In his junior season, he took over the tight end starting position. As a starter, Eifert had 63 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns. He broke the school's tight end single-season receptions and receiving yards record, previously held by Ken MacAfee. He was named a 2011 Mackey Award finalist but did not win the award. As a senior, he had 50 receptions for 685 yards with 4 touchdowns. He also won the 2012 Mackey Award after being named a finalist the year before and was also named second-team All-American by the Associated Press.
After a 42–14 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, Eifert decided to forgo his final season of eligibility and declared his intention to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
Collegiate statistics
Professional career
Cincinnati Bengals
Eifert was selected in the first round with the 21st overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2013 NFL Draft. On July 15, 2013, Eifert signed a four-year, $8.25 million rookie contract with the Bengals.
2013 season
On September 8, 2013, Eifert made his NFL debut, recording five receptions for 47 yards in a 24–21 loss to the Chicago Bears. On September 16, Eifert caught three passes for 66 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On October 20, Eifert caught his first career touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Andy Dalton against the Detroit Lions. On December 15, 2013, Eifert caught his second touchdown of his career against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On December 22, Eifert left the game against the Minnesota Vikings early with a stinger injury. This injury sidelined Eifert for the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. He finished his rookie season with 39 receptions for 445 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
2014 season
On September 7, 2014, during the first game of the 2014 season against the Baltimore Ravens, Eifert recorded three receptions for 37 yards before suffering a dislocated elbow and shoulder labrum tear after landing awkwardly on his arm while trying to twist out of a leg tackle. He was placed on injured reserve on September 10, 2014, and ended up being out for the season.