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


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