Tyler Clutts

Tyler Clutts (born November 9, 1984) is a former American football fullback. He played college football at Fresno State in California.

Tyler Clutts
Clutts with the Chicago Bears
No. 44, 40
Position:Fullback
Personal information
Born: (1984-11-09) November 9, 1984
Vallejo, California
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:Clovis (CA)
College:Fresno State
Undrafted:2008
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:11
Receiving yards:57
Receiving average:5.2
Receiving TDs:1
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Clutts attended Clovis High School, where he played as a quarterback and defensive end. As a senior he led the team to an 11–2 record and the Yosemite Division Large School championship. He compiled a total of 2,383 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns. Tyler was also named The Fresno Bee's football player of the year. In 2002, he was the top-ranked wrestler in the state of California at 215 pounds.

College career

Tyler accepted a scholarship from Fresno State University, where he was a defensive end. He became a starter as a sophomore, posting 52 tackles (sixth on the team), 12 tackles for loss (led the team), 7 sacks (tied for the team lead) and blocked an extra point.

The next year, he tallied 37 tackles (eighth on the team), 9 tackles for losses, 7 quarterback sacks, one forced one fumble and one interception. As a senior, he recorded 7.5 sacks. He finished his college career with 172 tackles and 23 ½ sacks.[1]

Professional career

Edmonton Eskimos

After going undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, Clutts signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League.[2] He posted 22 tackles (15 solo), one fumble recovery and returned 6 kickoffs for 37 yards. He was waived before the start of the 2009 season.

Utah Blaze

In 2010, Clutts signed with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League for one year.[2]

Sacramento Mountain Lions

In 2010, following his brief stay in the AFL, he played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the UFL for a year, where he officially made the switch to fullback from defensive end.[2][3]

Cleveland Browns

Clutts was signed to a future contract by the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2011.[2] He was released on September 3 and signed to the practice squad.

Chicago Bears

During the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears, Clutts attracted interest from Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub, who felt that Clutts would be a decent addition to the team.[4] He was signed by the Bears from the Cleveland Brown's practice squad to a three-year deal on September 7, 2011.[5]

When long snapper Patrick Mannelly went down with an injury against the San Diego Chargers, Clutts filled in his role until the arrival of Chris Massey.[6] Clutts was eventually in the running for a spot on the NFC team for the 2012 Pro Bowl, but ultimately did not make it.[7]

Houston Texans

On August 31, 2012, Clutts was traded to the Houston Texans for CB Sherrick McManis.[8] He was a reserve fullback and played on special teams. He was released before the start of the 2013 season.

Miami Dolphins

Clutts was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on September 1, 2013. He played in 4 games but did not record any statistics. He was waived on October 1.[9]

Dallas Cowboys

In 2013, the Dallas Cowboys went through most of the season without a true fullback. On December 3, after Lance Dunbar was placed on the injured reserve list, Clutts was signed to fill that role. In 2014, he helped block for DeMarco Murray who would become the NFL's leading rusher for the season. He also scored his first career touchdown in the divisional round playoff game.

In 2015, after Clutts contract expired, the team signed free agent fullbacks Jed Collins and Ray Agnew in what seemed a change of direction. Surprisingly on May 18, Collins was released after just two months and Clutts was re-signed. With the departure in free agency of Murray, Clutts was used during the preseason for depth purposes as a running back. He made the team and helped block for Darren McFadden who rush for 1,000 yards. He was not re-signed by the Cowboys at the end of the season.

References
  1. "Bears sign former Browns fullback Clutts - Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. September 7, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  2. "Clutts hoping to find home at fullback for Bears - Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. September 8, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  3. "Clutts enjoying life as an NFL player". Chicagobears.com. October 31, 2011. Archived from the original on January 3, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  4. "What do coaches like about Clutts". Chicagobears.com. September 14, 2011. Archived from the original on December 25, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  5. "Chicago Bears sign FB Tyler Clutts to three-year contract - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN". Msn.foxsports.com. September 7, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  6. "Tyler Clutts clutch as fill-in long snapper - Chicago Sun-Times". Suntimes.com. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  7. "Nine Bears in Pro Bowl running". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  8. Mayer, Larry. "Bears reach 53-man roster limit". Chicagobears.com. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  9. Nogle, Kevin (October 1, 2013). "Dolphins waive Tyler Clutts, Kelcie McCray". thephinsider.com. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
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