Justin Tuggle


Justin DuJian Tuggle is an American Canadian football defensive end for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Kansas State. Tuggle is the son of former five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jessie Tuggle. He is also the brother of Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Early years

Tuggle attended Northview High School in the state of Georgia. He earned the Greater Atlanta All-Area honors in his Senior season. He participated in the second annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl and was the quarterback on the east team. He was selected to the 2007 All-North Fulton County team and was on the second team offense as a quarterback.

College career

Tuggle played his freshman season at Boston College where he played quarterback. In his sophomore season, he transferred to Blinn College for the spring semester. After spending his sophomore season at Blinn College, he transferred to Kansas State. He switched positions from quarterback to linebacker for his junior season and first season at Kansas State.

Professional career

Houston Texans

On April 27, 2013, he signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. in 42 games over 3 seasons, Tuggle produced 71 tackles, forced one fumble, and intercepted an Andrew Luck pass which he returned for 8 yards.

Cleveland Browns

On March 11, 2016, Tuggle signed with the Cleveland Browns. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Browns.

Toronto Argonauts

On May 23, 2017, Tuggle signed with the Toronto Argonauts. During his first year in the CFL, Tuggle recorded 3 sacks, a defensive touchdown, a forced fumble, and an interception, as well as being a part of the 105th Grey Cup championship team. The following season, Tuggle played in 17 games. Due to injuries to the struggling Argos, Tuggle was a starter at 3 different positions during the 2018 season, playing at middle linebacker, weakside linebacker, and along the defensive line. Tuggle put up a career high 36 tackles, along with 3 more sacks and two more forced fumbles.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Toronto's rival, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Tuggle as a free agent in February 2019.

Personal life

His father is Jessie Tuggle who played in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons from 1987–2000. He also was selected to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams during his career. His brother, Grady Jarrett is a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. Tuggle has also released 3 single albums and one album consisting of 14 songs titled Life on Beats by YGP & take1.