Tyson Walter

Tyson Barrett Walter (born March 17, 1978) is a former American football offensive tackle and center in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Ohio State University.

Tyson Walter
refer to caption
Tyson Walter in 2006
No. 71, 72, 70
Position:Center
Personal information
Born: (1978-03-17) March 17, 1978
Bainbridge, Ohio, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:303 lb (137 kg)
Career information
High school:Kenston (OH)
College:Ohio State
NFL Draft:2002 / Round: 6 / Pick: 179
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:47
Games started:9
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Walter attended Kenston High School, where he was a two-way player at offensive and defensive tackle. As a senior, he helped his team finish second in the state playoffs, while earning All-Ohio honors.

He accepted a football scholarship from Ohio State University. As a true freshman, he appeared in the first two games as a backup offensive tackle, before being lost with a shoulder sprain and being granted a medical redshirt.

Walter was named the starter at left tackle as a redshirt freshman, replacing the graduated All-American Orlando Pace.[1]

In 1999, he was able to start in all games, despite missing most of the summer after undergoing back surgery. He missed the 2000 season due to a hip infection.[2]

After being granted an additional year of eligibility, he returned as a sixth-year senior to achieve a school record 49 starts (all at left tackle) and earn All-Big Ten honors.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Walter was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.[3] He was one of three Ohio State players selected by the Cowboys that year.[4]

As a rookie, he made the team even though he was sidelined for most of training camp with a high left ankle sprain. He was declared inactive during the first 4 contests and started 8 games at center after Andre Gurode was moved to right guard.

The next year, Al Johnson was drafted to replace him in the starting lineup and improve the center position. Even though Johnson was lost for the season with a knee injury, Matt Lehr was named the starter over Walter.

In 2004, he regained the starter position, but suffered a sprained left knee in the second quarter of the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, opening the door for Johnson to start the rest of the season at center.

Walter remained a versatile backup and was used in four different positions along the offensive line. On September 3, 2005, he was waived to keep second-year player Ben Noll on the roster.

Houston Texans

On November 18, 2005, he signed with the Houston Texans. Although he was a part of the regular roster, he was declared inactive for the last 7 games of the season. He wasn't re-signed after the season.

Washington Redskins

On March 23, 2006, the Washington Redskins signed him as a free agent to be the backup center.[5] He was released on October 24.

Green Bay Packers

On November 25, 2006, he signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers.[6] On September 1, 2007, he was placed on the injured reserve list and wasn't re-signed after the season.

References
  1. Moran, Malcolm (29 August 1997). "Next Generation Takes First Steps at Ohio State". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  2. "Buckeyes want to earn some respect". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  3. "Cowboys sign top four draft picks". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  4. "2002 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  5. "Redskins sign two backup linemen". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  6. "Packers sign Walter, place Blackmon on injured reserve". Retrieved February 19, 2023.
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