40 Facts About Ty Chandler

Early Life and High School Achievements

Ty Chandler's journey to the NFL began in Nashville, Tennessee. His early years were marked by impressive athletic achievements that set the stage for his future success.

1. Ty Chandler grew up in Nashville, Tennessee.
2. He attended Montgomery Bell Academy, where he was a standout athlete.
3. Chandler earned his second Division II-AA Tennessee Mr. Football Award as a junior and senior.
4. He was a consensus four-star prospect and one of the nation's top 100 recruits.
5. As a senior, he rushed for 2,252 yards and 39 touchdowns.

College Career at Tennessee

Chandler's college career started at the University of Tennessee, where he showcased his talents and laid the groundwork for his professional aspirations.

6. Chandler began his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee.
7. During his four seasons with the Volunteers, he rushed for 2,046 yards and 26 touchdowns on 421 carries.
8. He also caught 15 passes for 216 yards and one touchdown.

Transfer to North Carolina

Seeking new opportunities, Chandler transferred to the University of North Carolina, where he continued to excel on the field.

9. After his junior season at Tennessee, Chandler transferred to the University of North Carolina as a graduate transfer.
10. At North Carolina, he played under head coach Mack Brown.
11. He had a standout season, rushing for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns on 182 carries.
12. Chandler was named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.
13. He had five games where he scored multiple touchdowns.
14. His performance included a 198-yard game against Virginia.
15. He also had a 213-yard game against Wake Forest, where he scored four rushing touchdowns.

NFL Draft and Scouting Combine

Chandler's impressive college career and standout performance at the NFL Scouting Combine caught the attention of NFL scouts.

16. Ty Chandler was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
17. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Chandler ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds.
18. His speed and potential boosted his draft stock from an undrafted free agent (UDFA) to a fifth-round pick.

Professional Career with the Vikings

Chandler's professional journey with the Minnesota Vikings has been marked by growth, resilience, and impactful performances.

19. Chandler began his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings.
20. He was placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2022, with a thumb injury but was activated on December 28.
21. In his rookie season, he appeared in three games and recorded six carries for 20 rushing yards in the Vikings' Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears.

Breakout Season in 2023

The 2023 season saw Chandler emerge as a key player for the Vikings, showcasing his talent and potential.

22. In the 2023 season, Chandler started as the second-string running back behind Alexander Mattison.
23. He quickly emerged as a key player.
24. In Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, he scored his first professional touchdown on a two-yard rush.
25. His breakout performance came in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he made his first NFL start and rushed for a career-high 132 yards on 23 carries.
26. Chandler appeared in all 17 games of the 2023 season and started the last four games.
27. He recorded 102 carries for 461 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
28. His performance in the Bengals game marked the Vikings' first 100-yard rushing game in more than a calendar year.

Contributions to the Vikings' Offense

Chandler's versatility and big-play potential have made him a valuable asset to the Vikings' offense.

29. Despite initially being held in a supplemental role, Chandler's big-play potential and versatility eventually earned him a more significant role in the Vikings' offense.
30. His ability to contribute both as a runner and a blocker has been highlighted by coaches.
31. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell emphasized that Chandler's slow move up the depth chart was an intentional developmental plan.
32. Chandler's growth and process required competence as a runner and a blocker, which he has demonstrated over time.

Special Teams Contributions

Before becoming a regular part of the Vikings' backfield, Chandler made significant contributions on special teams.

33. Chandler converted two fake punts with runs of 15 yards in Week 5 and 31 yards in Week 11.
34. He had a 103-yard kickoff return reversed by penalty during Week 8.
35. He also had two other big gains called back: a 27-yard reception on a double pass in Week 7 and a 29-yard touchdown run after Mattison entered concussion protocol in Week 10.

Impact of Injuries

Injuries within the team provided Chandler with opportunities to step up and showcase his abilities.

36. The season-ending Achilles tear suffered by Vikings running back Cam Akers in Week 9 seemed to provide a natural opening for Chandler.
37. With Mattison clearing concussion protocol in time for their next game, Chandler's opportunity was temporarily delayed.
38. This delay allowed Mattison to start against the Denver Broncos, but Chandler's performance eventually earned him more playing time.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Chandler's performance has also made him a valuable player in fantasy football leagues.

39. Heading into the 2024 season, Ty Chandler was the 46th-ranked fantasy RB by ADP (average draft position).
40. His 2023 fantasy points totaled 80.0, ranking him 43rd at his position and 176th overall in the NFL.

Ty Chandler's Bright Future

Ty Chandler's journey from high school standout to NFL player showcases his dedication and talent. His speed and versatility have made him a key player for the Minnesota Vikings. Chandler's standout performances, like his 132-yard game against the Cincinnati Bengals, highlight his potential. His contributions on special teams and his ability to make big plays have solidified his role in the Vikings' offense.

Chandler's commitment to community involvement, like his support for Be The Match, shows his character off the field. With his fantasy value projected to rise, Chandler is poised to make an even bigger impact in the upcoming season. His journey is a testament to hard work and passion for the sport. As he continues to evolve, Ty Chandler remains an exciting player to watch in the NFL.