Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe Explained

Ricky Tjong-a-Tjoe (born April 4, 1990) is a Dutch former gridiron football defensive end that played for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at Boise State.

Early life

Tjong-A-Tjoe grew up in the Venserpolder neighborhood of Amsterdam and played association football as a child before his brother introduced him to American football.[1] He joined a local team, the Amsterdam Panthers.[1] Tjong-a-Tjoe moved to the United States in 2008 with the goal of earning a college football scholarship.[2] He played one season at Boise High School in Boise, Idaho, earning first-team all-state honors after recording 35 tackles, two sacks, and four forced fumbles.[2] [3] Tjong-a-Tjoe committed to Boise State in January 2009 over offers from schools like Oregon and Washington State.[2] [3] He signed his National Letter of Intent on February 4.[4]

College career

Tjong-a-Tjoe redshirted his first year at Boise State.[5] In 2010, he recorded 24 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss.[6] In 2011, Tjong-a-Tjoe made 15 tackles and three tackles for loss in seven games.[6] His season was shortened due to a six-game suspension for receiving improper benefits from a host family.[7] Tjong-a-Tjoe had a breakout season as a redshirt junior and earned honorable mention all-Mountain West Conference (MWC) honors.[6] He earned first-team all-MWC honors the following year.[8]

Professional career

After going undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft, Tjong-A-Tjoe signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers.[9]

In July 2022, he signed with the Rhein Fire of the European League of Football.[10]

National team career

Tjong-A-Tjoe played for the Netherlands national team during the 2018 European Championship qualifiers.[11]

References

  1. News: Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe maakt zich hard voor American football-talenten. Zuidoost&Meer. May 1, 2018. 19 August 2023. nl.
  2. News: Dream fulfilled: Dutchman lands with Broncos. Idaho Statesman. Jesse. Zentz. January 30, 2009. August 18, 2023. S1. Newspapers.com.
  3. News: Dutch Treat: DT Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe Commits to Boise State. Bleacher Report. Drew. Roberts. January 28, 2009. August 18, 2023.
  4. News: Can't have too many good D-linemen. Idaho Statesman. Brian. Murphy. February 5, 2009. August 19, 2023. S1. Newspapers.com.
  5. News: Finer points: Young D-linemen challenged to take play to another level. Idaho Statesman. Chadd. Cripe. March 23, 2010. August 19, 2023. S1. Newspapers.com.
  6. News: Quietly Making Noise. Idaho Statesman. Chadd. Cripe. December 14, 2012. August 19, 2023. S3. Newspapers.com.
  7. News: October 19, 2011 . Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe back after ban . August 19, 2023 . ESPN.com. Associated Press.
  8. News: Boise State places four on first team. Idaho Statesman. December 11, 2013. August 19, 2023. S1. Newspapers.com.
  9. News: Tjong-A-Tjoe, Boldewijn sign as free agents. Idaho Statesman. Chadd. Cripe. May 11, 2014. August 19, 2023. S4. Newspapers.com.
  10. Web site: Neuverpflichtungen bei Rhein Fire. Rhein Fire. August 19, 2023.
  11. News: IFAF Europe Qualifying Tournament: Netherlands. American Football International. John. McKeon. September 14, 2016. August 19, 2023.

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