The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo on Monday. Kongbo announced this on his X (former Twitter) account.
Jonathan Kongbo is six foot five and weighs 256 pounds. The 27-year-old from Kinshasa, Zaire, signed with the Lions on May 22, 2023. The Ticats acquired Kongbo from the B.C. Lions on June 5, 2023. He made 15 tackles and three tackles on special teams in 18 games for the Ticats in 2023.
Before Hamilton., Kongbo started the season on the Denver Broncos practice squad before being promoted. He played three games for the Broncos in 2022 with one tackle. After the three games, he returned to the practice squad.
Kongbo was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the first round (5th pick) in the 2019 CFL Draft. He made 12 tackles and one sack in 12 games in his rookie season and helped Winnipeg win the 107th Grey Cup. After the season, he left for the NFL and signed with the San Francisco 49ers in January 2020 but was released in August.
In 2021, he returned to Winnipeg with 17 tackles (16 DT, 1 ST) and three sacks in 14 games, helping Winnipeg win the 108th Grey Cup. After the season, he left Winnipeg again and signed with the Denver Broncos.
Collegiately, Kongbo played one season at Arizona Western College in 2015 with 55 tackles (18 solo, 37 assists), 16 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick in 11 games for the Matadors. Then, Kongbo transferred to Tennessee (2016-18) with 51 tackles (21 solo, 30 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions for 69 yards, and two pass breakups in 30 games for the Volunteers.
