After he was redshirted for the 2008 season, Tinker saw his first action in Alabama's game against Chattanooga during the 2009 season. For the 2010 season, Tinker was elevated as the starting long snapper for the Crimson Tide and converted 121 of 123 snapping opportunities during the season. For the 2011 season, Tinker converted all 119 snapping opportunities en route to the 2011 national championship. Tinker was selected by his teammates to accept the 2011 Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award on December 8, 2011, on behalf of the entire team in recognition for their collective efforts in the rebuilding of Tuscaloosa after the tornado. For his first four years with the Crimson Tide, Tinker played as a member of the team as a walk-on. Prior to the start of his senior season, Tinker was awarded a full athletic scholarship for the year by Nick Saban in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field. In 2012, Tinker again served as the starting long snapper and converted 133 of 135 snapping opportunities during the season.
Professional career
At the end of his senior season at Alabama, Tinker was ranked as the top available long snapper for the 2013 NFL Draft.
Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, Tinker signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In training camp, he competed for the starting long snapper position with veteran Jeremy Cain and rookie Luke Ingram. On August 25, Tinker won the starting job after Cain and Ingram were released. On August 3, 2017 during training, camp, Tinker suffered a torn ACL and was placed on injured reserve. On October 11, 2018, Tinker was placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed knee injury. On March 8, 2019, the Jaguars released Tinker due to salary cap space issues.
Personal life
Tinker was born on November 15, 1989, in Decatur, Alabama. On April 27, 2011, Tinker suffered a personal tragedy when his girlfriend Ashley Harrison was killed during the 2011 Tuscaloosa – Birmingham tornado. In recognition for his efforts in helping the Tuscaloosa community rebuild in the aftermath of the tornado, Tinker was named as a finalist for the 2011 Sportsman of the Year. On May 1, 2014, Tinker published his first book, A Season to Remember: Faith in the Midst of the Storm, which details his experience in the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado as well as the 2011–12 University of Alabama football championship season. He has also been focused on promoting his foundation, The Be A Blessing Foundation, a tax-exempt 501-3 charitable foundation created to help those who have suffered any kind of loss or hardship, to stop living in their circumstance and begin living in their vision.
