He became the first freshman in school history to record 100 tackles, finishing with 101. Matakevich did the rounds with western New York media on Wednesday and did a quick chat with the team’s website and media. Matakevich, previously with the Steelers, earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s best special teams players. On November 6, 2016, he recorded a season-high nine combined tackles in a 30–15 loss to the Miami Dolphins. New Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyler Matakevich loves special teams. [22] On October 15, 2017, Matakevich recorded four combined tackles in the Steelers' 19–13 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs.

Teammate Anthony Chickillo recovered the ball in the endzone for a touchdown and made the first score of the Steelers' season.

[9][10] All three were firsts for Temple football.

“God forbid if they’re pulled, you’re ready. [17][18] Head coach Mike Tomlin named him the backup inside linebacker to Ryan Shazier to start the regular season. This site is neither endorsed, nor sponsored by, nor affiliated with Pittsburgh Steelers or NFL Properties LLC. He finished his high school career with 2,357 yards rushing, 1,355 yards receiving, 3,898 all-purpose yards on offense, and 371 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and eight interceptions on defense. Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot against veteran Steven Johnson, L. J. Fort, and Travis Feeney. [5][6] During his senior year, he became the seventh player in FBS history to record 100 tackles all four years.

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round (246th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. As a freshman at Temple in 2012, Matakevich played in all 13 games, making his first start in Week 5 against USF. Steelers LB Tyler Matakevich to sign with the Bills. During a pre-season scrimmage his senior year he broke his foot and wound up missing five games, therefore after high school graduation he attended Milford Academy. The Steelers said they selected him because he was their highest rated player on their big board at the time. Over the course of his career, he scored 59 total touchdowns. The Buffalo Bills have added a linebacker and core special teams player to their roster, signing Tyler Matakevich. He played college football at Temple University. On December 4, 2017, he collected a season-high six combined tackles in a 23–20 victory at the Cincinnati Bengals. In recent years, Buffalo’s special teams has been average-at-best. [19] The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2016 season first in the AFC North with an 11-5 record and received a playoff berth. He finished his rookie season with 20 combined tackles in 16 games. He returned to training camp in 2017 and competed to a roster spot against Steven Johnson, L.J.

Bills fans. “By preparing as if you’re going to be a starter, it helps you from a mental standpoint,” said Matakevich.