Two-season backup for the New England Patriots who signed with the Houston Texans midway through the 2013 season.
He was the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year after his 2005 season at Millard North High School.
He was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection during his career at the University of Iowa.
He and his older brother were raised in Omaha by Jeff and Leslie Tarpinian.
He became teammates with fellow linebacker Brian Cushing on the Texans in 2013.
