DeMarcus Lamon "Tank" Tyler (born February 14, 1985) is an American former professional football defensive tackle. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football at North Carolina State. Tyler was also a member of the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Storm, and Dodge City Law.

Early life

Tyler played high school football at E.E. Smith High in Fayetteville, North Carolina. During his career he achieved all-conference honors, first-team All-Two Rivers Class 4-A Conference, All-Cape Fear Region accolades, and was Cape Fear Region Player of the Year in 2002. He was also invited to play in the 2002 Shrine Bowl.

College career

Tyler played college football at North Carolina State. During his senior season, he was received first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference after recording 87 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble. He finished his college career with 173 tackles, five sacks, and two fumble recoveries.

Professional career

Kansas City Chiefs

Tyler was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played in 15 games during his rookie season, starting one. During his second season he started all 16 games at defensive tackle for the Chiefs, recording 29 tackles. In three years with the Chiefs he started 19 of 37 games, recording 62 tackles.

Carolina Panthers

Tyler was traded to the Carolina Panthers on October 19, 2009 for a fifth round pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He was waived on September 4, 2010 during final cuts.

Chicago Bears

Tyler signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears on January 11, 2011. He was waived on August 29, 2011.