Former BYU defensive tackle sacked C.J. Stroud late in New England’s NFL divisional-round victory over Houston.
Khyiris Tonga picked a good time to make his first sack of the season.
The New England Patriots defensive tackle, who’s missed the past three weeks with a foot injury, sacked Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on third and 10 in the fourth quarter of their NFL divisional-round playoff matchup on Sunday.
The 8-yard sack came with just under five minutes remaining, and it led to a Texans punt on the following play in the Patriots’ eventual 28-16 victory.
KHYIRIS TONGA SWALLOWS CJ STROUD#NFL#Patriots#NEPats#NFLPlayoffs#NFLPlayoffs2026#HOUvsNEpic.twitter.com/A1unns0L19
— ZeroChillSports (@ZeroChillSports) January 18, 2026
Now Tonga, the former BYU and Granger High standout, is one win away from making his first Super Bowl appearance.
New England will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos Jan. 25 in the AFC championship game.
Tonga, who’s in his first season with the Patriots, had an effective day, as he also finished with three tackles, two QB hurries and a tackle for loss.
He helped New England hold Houston to 48 rushing yards in the playoff matchup.
Two other Utah ties were on the losing end in the New England-Houston contest.
Former Bingham High tight end Dalton Schultz had two catches for 47 yards for the Texans before leaving the game with an injury.
Former University of Utah and Herriman High defensive tackle Leki Fotu was promoted from Houston’s practice squad and had a tackle in the game.
Category: General Sports
