At West Allegheny High School, Palko was a multi-sport star. While he is best known for his skills on the football field—where he led his team to a PIAA state title in 2001 and was named the Associated Press Pennsylvania Big School Player of the Year—Palko was also an accomplished basketball player. In fact, his background on the hardwood is the first and most direct link to the game of . During his time at West Allegheny, Palko earned three letters in basketball alongside his four in football and one in track and field. This high school versatility means that Tyler Palko has actual, real-world experience with the sport that the game is based upon, lending an air of authenticity to the connection.