Laremy Tunsil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Laremy Tunsil

Tunsil at the 2020 Pro Bowl
No. 78 – Houston Texans
Position:	Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1994-08-02) August 2, 1994 (age 30) Harvey, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	313 lb (142 kg)
Career information
High school:	Columbia (Lake City, Florida)
College:	Ole Miss (2013–2015)
NFL Draft:	2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13
Career history
Miami Dolphins (2016–2018) Houston Texans (2019–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
5× Pro Bowl (2019, 2020, 2022–2024) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016) 2× First team All-SEC (2014, 2015) Second-team All-SEC (2013)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 1, 2024
Games played: 109 Games started: 109
Player stats at PFR

Laremy Alexander Tunsil, born on August 2, 1994, is an American professional football player. He plays as an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). An offensive tackle is a player who protects the quarterback and helps block for running plays. Before joining the NFL, Laremy played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels team.

Early Life and High School Football

Laremy Tunsil grew up in Lake City, Florida. He went to Columbia High School, where he was a star in both football and track and field. In track, he was a shot putter.

High School Football Achievements

Tunsil was named an All-State offensive lineman twice for his high school team, the Tigers. His coach, Brian Allen, praised his dedication and skills. Tunsil often practiced against his teammate, defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan, which helped him improve greatly.

In his final year, Tunsil helped Columbia High School's running game. They averaged 275 yards per game. The team reached the state quarterfinals but lost a close game. After the season, Tunsil was chosen to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Choosing a College Team

Many top college football programs wanted Tunsil to play for them. He was considered the best offensive tackle prospect in his class. Tunsil wanted to play for a team where he could start right away as a first-year student.

He decided not to play for the Florida Gators. This was because they had already signed another top offensive tackle. For a while, people thought he would choose Georgia. However, after visiting Ole Miss, he decided to commit there. He announced his decision on National Signing Day on ESPNU.

College Football Career

Laremy Tunsil played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2013 to 2015. He quickly became an important player for the team.

Freshman Year Success (2013)

In 2013, Tunsil played in every game for Ole Miss. He started most of them as the team's main left tackle. He was one of only two first-year students in the country to be a full-time starting left tackle.

In his first start against Texas, he played well against their defensive end, Jackson Jeffcoat. After a big win against Arkansas, Tunsil was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. He only allowed one sack during his entire freshman season. Because of his great performance, he earned several Freshman All-American honors.

Sophomore and Junior Seasons (2014-2015)

As a sophomore in 2014, Tunsil started at left tackle in 11 games. He missed a couple of games due to a bicep injury. He returned for the Peach Bowl but broke his fibula during the game. After the season, he was named All-SEC.

In 2015, before his junior season, Tunsil faced some challenges. He was suspended by the NCAA and missed the first seven games of the season. He returned to play against #15 Texas A&M. In that game, he played against Myles Garrett, a top defensive end. Tunsil did not give up any sacks and helped his team win. Even though he missed half the season, he played very well. Ole Miss later won the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State. Tunsil even scored a two-yard rushing touchdown in that game!

Professional Football Career

After his junior year, Laremy Tunsil decided to enter the 2016 NFL draft. Many experts believed he would be the first player picked overall.

The NFL Draft (2016)

Before the 2016 NFL Draft, Tunsil was seen as the top prospect. He performed very well at the NFL Combine, which is where players show off their skills to NFL teams. Experts compared him to All-Pro offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

However, just before the draft began, something unexpected happened. A video appeared on Tunsil's social media. This caused some teams to hesitate about drafting him. The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, who both needed an offensive tackle, chose other players. The Miami Dolphins eventually selected him with the 13th overall pick.

Playing for the Miami Dolphins (2016–2018)

On April 28, 2016, the Miami Dolphins drafted Tunsil as the 13th overall pick. He was the highest-drafted offensive lineman for the Dolphins since 2008. On May 6, 2016, Tunsil signed a four-year contract worth $12.45 million with the Dolphins.

As a rookie in 2016, Tunsil played in 14 games, mostly as a left guard. He helped the Dolphins have one of the best rushing offenses in the league. After the season, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2017, he moved to the left tackle position and started 15 games. He continued to be a starter in 2018, playing in 15 games.

Joining the Houston Texans (2019–Present)

On August 31, 2019, Tunsil was traded to the Houston Texans. He started 14 games as a left tackle in his first season with the Texans. His strong performance earned him his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Other players in the NFL recognized his talent, ranking him 66th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 list.

In April 2020, Tunsil signed a new three-year contract extension with the Texans. This made him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL. He played in 14 games in 2020 and earned his second Pro Bowl nomination. He was ranked 75th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

In 2021, Tunsil had thumb surgery and was placed on injured reserve. He played in five games that season. In 2022, he played in all 17 games and was named to his third Pro Bowl. He was ranked 85th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

On March 19, 2023, Tunsil signed another three-year contract extension with the Texans. He played in 14 games in the 2023 season, missing three games due to a knee injury. He earned his fourth Pro Bowl honor that year.

Career Statistics

Here are some of Laremy Tunsil's statistics from his professional career:

Images for kids

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  Tunsil at the 2020 Pro Bowl