Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe

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 2018 European Championship qualifiers.[11]

References
  1. "Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe maakt zich hard voor American football-talenten". Zuidoost&Meer (in Dutch). May 1, 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  2. Zentz, Jesse (January 30, 2009). "Dream fulfilled: Dutchman lands with Broncos". Idaho Statesman. p. S1. Retrieved August 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. 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. 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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