Tag: Houston Texans

New Texans WR Stefon Diggs impresses with outfit at Met Gala

Stefon Diggs was dressed to impress Monday night in New York City at the annual Met Gala.

New Houston Texans receiver Stefon Diggs dressed to impress Monday night at the Met Gala in New York City Monday evening, even though he nearly didn’t make the event. 

Diggs, the newly acquired pas-catcher from the Buffalo Bills, was caught at Houston’s airport due to weather conditions on Sunday, but the plane touched down in time for him to meet with designers. On the red carpet, the four-time Pro Bowler wore a custom midnight blue H&M suit and rocked the outfit like he hoped to rock the AFC South competition.

“I was 100% confident in it, since I saw the drawing,” Diggs told Vogue magazine. “I wish I was here yesterday, but they did such a diligent job doing my measurements at the first fitting, so it just kind of worked out.”

According to Vogue, Diggs accessorized the look with several Greg Yuna necklaces, a Nick Bindi ring, and Shayan Afshar pear drop earrings. Big into fashion, Diggs wanted to make sure he looked confident when taking in the event for the second time. 

While Diggs impressed back in New York, the Texans are hopeful they’ll be getting a hungry version of him on gamedays this fall. After trading a 2025 second-round pick to the Bills to acquire him, Houston voided the final three years of his current deal and added an extra $2.5 million to his 2024 salary, thus upping his value to $22.5 million this fall.

Diggs, 30, will be playing for a new lucrative contract this fall when the AFC South champions take the field. He joins an offensive personnel headlined by breakout targets Nico Collins and Tank Dell, along with Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and tight end Dalton Schultz. 

Even though Diggs’ production dipped during his final season in Buffalo, he remains one of the league’s more proactive pass-catchers. Since joining the Bills in 2020, he has led the NFL in catches with 445 and averaged over 1,100 yards per campaign in Orchard Park. 

He’s also one of four receivers in league history to record four consecutive seasons with 100-plus receptions, joining Davante Adams, Marvin Harrison Sr. and Antonio Brown. 

Diggs told Vouge he’s already begun putting in the work with teammates before the start of mandatory minicamp, especially reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. 

“It’s a great vibe,” he said. “We know we have something special, we’ve got a lot of very talented individuals, we’ve got a young star quarterback. Now, we’re putting the rubber on the road. There’s a lot of camaraderie. You can feel the energy: Everybody’s getting along, competing at a high level and working extremely hard.”

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the start of rookie minicamp this weekend. 

C.J. Stroud living the offseason life during Asia tour with Micah Parsons

C.J. Stroud and Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons have been living life during their stay in Asia this offseason.

C.J. Stroud picked up in Houston where he left on in Atlanta; thriving under pressure. In the process, he became the solution to the Texans’ losing ways in 2023. 

Stroud, the Texans’ franchise quarterback, became an overnight sensation in the NFL after being selected No. 2 overall last April. He guided the Texans to a 10-7 AFC South division title and the first playoff win in four years. The former Ohio State star also became the first Texans player to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for over 4,000 yards. 

Now, he’s enjoying life away from the field while expanding the game outside the United States. 

Stroud and Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons have been on an offseason tour throughout Asia, taking part in helping kids learn about football and the NFL. But while serving as ambassadors in football last month in Beijing, they’ve also enjoyed a well-earned vacation before having home for practice.

The Texas duo threw out a first pitch at the Tokyo Dome last weekend during their stay in Japan. They also donned a Mawashi while taking sumo from professional wrestlers in the ring. 

Parsons, known for his violent hand usage and ability to pressure the quarterback, looked better than Stroud in the ring but was no match for the massive mountain known for his ability to take down men his size. A full video is expected to be released by Bleacher Report soon, so perhaps fans will see if Stroud was a match for a smaller opponent.  

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Before departing Beijing, Stroud and Parsons also visited the Great Wall of China. Parsons posted a photo with fans to his Instagram. Stroud posted a photo of him working drills with a handful of locals in Shanghai.

Dallas and Houston have been a rivalry waiting to ignite for years. The Lone Star Showdown carries weight in other sports, but it’s never hit its peak at the NFL level despite the love of football in the state. 

The Texans, a favorite to win the AFC crown this season, travel to Arlington to take on the Cowboys in 2024. Stroud and Parsons’ friendship will be one of the major storylines to follow, and will the battle between the Diggs brothers, Stefon and Trevon, after Houston’s trade for the Pro Bowl receiver. 

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Could this be a potential Super Bowl matchup? Time will tell, but Stroud will have several months to reminisce on his trip with Parsons before the two do battle. The second-year quarterback is expected to return home soon in preparation for mandatory minicamp beginning on June 4. 

DeMeco Ryans on potential J.J. Watt return: ‘I’ve got his number ready to go’

DeMeco Ryans isn’t ready to say J.J. Watt will return to the Houston Texans, but he’s also not losing his number anytime soon.

Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt said hours before his annual charity softball game on Saturday that he’d be willing to return to the gridiron if current coach and former teammate DeMeco Ryans “absolutely needs it.” 

Right now, Ryans seems content with his current set of pass rushers, but he doesn’t plan on losing Watt’s number anytime soon. 

“I love to hear J.J. saying he’s ready,” Ryans said on Monday before the Texans’ annual golf tournament. “I’ve got his number ready to go just in case we need him. 

“I may need to make that call, so I’m happy that it’s open from him.”

Watt, 35, spent a decade in Houston after being selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL draft. He’d win three Defensive Player of the Year awards while setting the franchise record in sacks (101) before being released following the 2020 season. 

Watt and Ryans were teammates for the 2011 season before the latter was traded to the Eagles. In a sense, it was a passing of the torch since Ryans had been the face of Houston’s defense since his rookie season in 2006. 

The two remained close despite being on opposing teams. Ryans was present for Watt’s final game with the Cardinals in 2022 before being hired back to Houston the following offseason. 

“He knows he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him,” Watt said of Ryans before the game Saturday in Sugar Land. “But I don’t anticipate that happening, because they have a very good crew. I hope that everybody stays extremely healthy and they dominate and they don’t need any bodies, and I just get to watch and enjoy it from the couch.”

Ryans was asked what would factor into the decision Watt for a reunion. The coach aptly avoided going into details of how a deal could come into place. 

“I need to make that call right now,” Ryans said. “Anytime J.J. Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

Despite the departure of sack leader Jonathan Greenard, Houston remains in good standing at defensive end. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. is looking to build off a dominant first season in which he broke Watt’s rookie record with seven sacks. 

The Texans also reinforced their pass-rushing department with the additions of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. Hunter, a native of Katy who inked a two-year deal, finished top-five in sacks last season with 16.5 and led the league in tackles for loss with 23.5. 

Autry, a veteran defensive lineman with experience both at defensive tackle and edge rusher, totaled 11.5 sacks in his final season with the Titans. 

Houston also brought back No. 3 edge rusher Derek Barnett and signed veteran Mario Edwards Jr. The Texans still have second-year defensive end Dylan Horton and drafted USC’s Solomon Byrd last month. 

Right now, Watt’s life revolves around football, but in the broadcast booth. He recently was hired as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports. Watt and his wife, Kealia, also became minority owners of English soccer club Burnley FC last year.

It’s good to know that Ryans could pick up the phone and ask Watt to strap on a helmet in a pinch, but his immediate focus is on the players taking the field entering OTAs next month. 

Texans owner Cal McNair says WR Tank Dell will make ‘full recovery’

Texans owner Cal McNair provided an update on second-year receiver Tank Dell before the start of the team’s annual golf tournament.

Houston Texans owner Cal McNair gave a positive update surrounding receiver Tank Dell after he was wounded in a shooting at a Florida bar last month.

McNair told reporters before the start of the Texans’ annual golf charity golf tournament that Dell would make a “full recovery” after suffering a flesh wound in his leg.

Dell, Houston’s third-round pick out of the University of Houston in 2023, was one of 10 victims caught in the middle of the crossfire during the shooting in Sanford, Fla.

“It’s frightening,” McNair said. “You just try not to get into those situations, and sometimes it happens. We’re just grateful that I think no one was seriously hurt.

“I saw [Dell] in the office the other and he looked good, in good spirits.”

Dell, one of Houston’s breakout stars en route to an AFC South division title, was visiting family in Daytona Beach earlier in the week before the shooting. While attending a private event, a fight broke out, eventually leading a gunman to begin firing shots into the crowd, striking Dell among others.

Since the shooting, two people have been arrested, including a 16-year-old suspect. None of the injuries sustained in the shooting were life-threatening. Dell received immediate medical attention and was released from the hospital Sunday morning.

Dell broke his silence on the event last week, posting a photo to his Instagram in the Texans’ new Battle Red uniforms with the caption: ‘God I thank you’ along with a praying hands emoji.

“He’ll have to rehab and get back to where he was,” McNair said.

As the Texans’ No. 2 target, Dell hauled in 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. He was on pace to break Andre Johnson’s team rookie receiving record entering December, but suffered a season-ending broken fibula against the Broncos that required surgery.

Since then, Dell’s been rehabbing in Houston and seemed to be back on track to practice before the shooting. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that he’s spoken to Dell several times since the shooting and that they had a “good conversation.”

“Tank will be fine,” Ryans said.

When pressed further on Dell’s status for the start of OTAs next month, Ryans declined to comment.

“I’ve answered all that about Tank — he’ll be all right,” Ryans said.

When asked further about the incident, both Ryans and the McNairs elected to keep the details private.

“That’s kind of between us and Tank,” Texans foundation vice president Hannah McNair said. “That’s a hard situation to be in. I think that’s something we’ll talk about privately. In any situation in life, you’re going to learn something from it.”

Former Texans Kicker Jake Bates making an impact in UFL

Former Houston Texans kicker Jake Bates is making headlines as the new face of the United Football League with his record-setting field goals.

Jake Bates might not have been with the Houston Texans long. In fact, it wouldn’t be crazy if the common fan forgot he was even a member of the 90-man roster last offseason while Ka’imi Fairbairn was dealing with a hamstring injury.

So far, however, Bates has been the talk of the United Football League and a potential future household name in the pros.

The Tomball native impressed in the Michigan Panthers’ 28-27 victory over the Arlington Renegades Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, going  5-for-5 on field goal attempts. He nailed a 60-yard blast during the second quarter and secured the game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired.

Bates hasn’t been a household name since his time at Tomball High. After electing to play soccer at Central Arkansas, Bates transferred over to football full-time at Texas State. He later transferred to Arkansas for his final season, but only handled kickoff duties.

As a member of the Texans’ 90-man roster last season, Bates was waived following the first preseason game. Since joining the Panthers, he’s been one of the league’s top stories, drilling two kicks — including a record-setting game-winning 64-yard blast against the St. Louis Battlehawks —over 60 yards.

Panthers coach Mike Nolan isn’t sure if Bates will be suiting up for his hometown team, but he is certain Bates won’t be spending the spring league offseason. For now, Bates can’t be contacted by NFL teams given the UFL’s guidelines, but once the season ends, things could change.

NFL.com recaps Texans’ offseason and draft additions

The Houston Texans enter 2024 with a new No. 2 cornerback in Kamari Lassiter, but NFL.com isn’t sold that was the top name on their big board.

How much better are the Houston Texans entering 2024? Most national pundits have them as an AFC contender so long as reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud can stay healthy. 

Even if a sophomore slump were to carry weight with Stroud, Houston became aggressive in free agency when landing premier talent. Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs was the headliner, but the trade for Bengals running back Joe Mixon and the signing of former Vikings star Danielle Hunter are far from lackluster moves. 

With nine new players joining the squad via the 2024 NFL, Houston seems poised to remain the front-runners for the AFC South division title. NFL.com recently unveiled its thoughts on all 32 teams heading into minicamp and said Houston likely would have rathered one of the two cornerbacks selected before settling on Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with the No. 42 pick. 

In March, the Texans traded the No. 23 pick (and No. 232) to the Vikings for second- and sixth-round picks in 2024 and a second-rounder in 2025. That already paid off in the addition of Stefon Diggs, who was acquired from Buffalo in exchange for that 2025 choice. But in terms of the 2024 second-rounder (No. 42 overall), the board cruelly didn’t appear to set up in Houston’s favor. The Texans needed cornerback help and saw the Eagles and Saints trade in front of them to take first-round-caliber talents Cooper DeJean (No. 40) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (No. 41). The Texans wound up taking cornerback Kamari Lassiter from Georgia.  – NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal

DeJean and McKinstry were both considered first-round talents who fell due to injury. DeJean, a unanimous All-American and standout returner, suffered a broken leg in November and missed the remainder of Iowa’s regular season. 

McKinstry, a three-year starter at Alabama, suffered a Jones fracture weeks before the scouting combine and did not participate in drills, though he did have a formal meeting with the Texans while in Indianapolis. McKinstry later impressed at Alabama’s pro day with a 4.47 40-time. 

Lassiter, who fell down draft boards after running a 4.6 40-time at Georgia’s pro day, was a fan favorite to land with Houston given his aggressive play style. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans loves defensive backs willing to tackle and play the run. 

A two-year starter for the Bulldogs, Lasiter earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2023 after finishing with a career-high eight pass breakups. He also offers position flexibility given his experience playing on the boundary and the nickel.

“He can play inside, he can play outside,” Ryans said. “You just talk about a guy who is a leader, a guy who works hard. He’s everything that our team is about.

“You talk about everything being relentless and attacking. With the relentless mindset every single day, that’s what Kamari brings.”

Maybe Houston would have leaned in favor of McKinstry over Lassiter, but it doesn’t make the pick wrong. Time will tell if the board hurt or helped the Texans land another top-level defensive back for a revamped secondary. 

Former Texans RB Duke Johnson retires after 8 seasons

Duke Johnson, who spent two seasons with the Houston Texans, has called it a career after eight years.

Former Texans running back Duke Johnson is hanging up the cleats.

Johnson officially announced his retirement after eight seasons, posting his farewell to Instagram Sunday afternoon.

“8 Years 4 teams with 1 goal in mind, create a better life for my family,” Johnson posted.  “I never dreamed of being the all time leading rusher of my dream school or being somewhere on the list of all time players to come out of South FL. I just wanted an opportunity to play a game to provide a better life for my family and I was able to do just that. I want to thank each team for giving me the chance to play and represent your organization and all the fans that supported me through the highs and lows.”

Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2015 after breaking the all-time rushing record at Miami, Johnson became a staple of the passing game for the AFC North franchise. He later inked a three-year extension worth $15.6 million in 2018.

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Houston traded for Johnson in 2019 in exchange for a conditional 2020 fourth-round pick that can become a third-round pick if active on the Texans roster for 10 games. Alongside Carlos Hyde, Johnson rushed for 410 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 44 passes for 410 yards and three TDs. 

A year later with David Johnson, Duke Johnson rushed for 235 yards and a touchdown. He was released the following offseason following a 4-12 finish.

Johnson also played for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills before missing the sitting out the entire 2023 season. In eight years, Johnson finished with 5,135 total yards and 23 touchdowns.

Johnson still remains the all-time leading rusher for the Hurricanes with 3,519 yards.

J.J. Watt is prepared for DeMeco Ryans to call for an NFL return if the Texans really need him

J.J. Watt has unfinished business in the NFL.

J.J. Watt knows the score. While an overwhelming majority of younger NFL legends are probably unlikely to walk their retirements back (Aaron Donald, cough, cough), Watt certainly fits the bill of someone who could suit up again in the right situation.

Enter DeMeco Ryans, one of Watt’s old teammates and close NFL friends, as he coaches the rising Houston Texans.

At a charity softball game on Saturday, Watt revealed he had previously told Ryans’ that if the head coach came calling from a place of real desperation, he’d make his NFL return. However, the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year maintained that this offer will only last for another year because it’s so taxing to try and keep his body in good enough condition to play in the NFL.

Here’s Watt’s quote about coming back to play for the Texans in full:

“I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great,” Watt said. “I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but if you ever do call, I’ll be there.’ And he [Ryans] knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it. This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him. I don’t anticipate that happening. They’ve got a very good group.”

After everything he’s been through, it remains highly unlikely that the 35-year-old Watt would come back to the league. In fact, he seems to only really be considering it because his friend now coaches the team where Watt made most of his NFL legacy. Well, that and the Texans appear to be a prime Super Bowl contender — something Watt unfortunately never won during his career.

Imagine Watt coming off the defensive edge for Ryans’ Texans while CJ Stroud launches dimes on offense. At the very least, it’s a super cool thought.

J.J. Watt impresses with former teammates at annual charity softball game

J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans took the field Saturday night for his annual softball game.

J.J. Watt might be retired, but he still has the power to punish quarterbacks for a sack.

These days, however, he’s too busy sending softballs over the fence at Constellation Field.

Watt won MVP of the annual J.J. Watt Charity Classic event in Sugar Land as the Legends secured a 14-1 victory over the current Texans players. Watt, Houston’s all-time leader in sacks (101) headlined the Legends’ squad along with current coach DeMeco Ryans, Fall of fame receiver Andre Johnson, Brian Cushing, Shane Lechler, Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, T.J. Yates, Glover Quin and Antonio Smith.

The game, which was a public event for fans to attend, raised $7 million for middle school athletic programs across 40 states through the J.J. Watt Foundation.

“When we started this back when I was in college, the whole reason was because I saw that not everybody had the same opportunities,” Watt told reporters pregame. “I don’t think that’s fair for middle school kids to be punished because adults can’t afford things. I’m really fortunate that we have so many people that share the same feelings and are willing to come out and support and donate.”

Watt started the event back in 2013, but put it on hiatus for four years back in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After being released, Watt joined the Cardinals for two seasons, pushing the event further down the line.
Before being inducted into the Texans’ Hall of Fame last October, Watt announced the game would be coming back with the same flare and rules, including the pregame home run derby. Former punter Shane Lechler claimed the long ball title over Case Keenum with a last-second home run.
Watt’s son, Koa, was supposed to throw out the first pitch. Perhaps a tad flustered having to impress a sold-out crowd, Koa instead opted to clutch onto Dad’s shoulders with his back toward the crowd while the three-time Defensive Player of the Year tossed the ball toward home plate.

“Someday, I’ll be able to show him the footage and be able to tell him how special this all was and what we’ve built down here,” Watt said postgame. “And hopefully teach him, so he can one day do something special like that.”

Multiple current Texans attended the event, including newly acquired receiver Stefon Diggs. Katy native and defensive end Danielle Hunter, who signed a two-year, $51 million contract this offseason, also participated along with Nico Collins, Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Dalton Schultz, Jalen Pitre and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.
C.J. Stroud, who was initially scheduled to participate, did not attend as he’s on a tour through Asia, hosting youth football clinics with Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons.
Tank Dell, Hosuton’s breakout rookie receiver last season, also did not attend. Dell was the victim of a shooting last week as a bystander during an altercation at a bar in Florida. He was released from a hospital on Saturday after being treated for a minor wound and is expected to make a full recovery.
Houston is hoping its winning ways continue entering Year 2 under Stroud and Ryans. Watt, who was there for the first of three losing seasons in 2020, said he’s seen the changes that make the Texans feel like a legit contender.
“You look at where this franchise was two years ago to where it is today, it’s a credit to everybody in the organization for building something special,” Watt said. “DeMeco is a massive part of that. I think players want to come play for DeMeco Ryans. Houston is a destination. It’s really fun to watch as a former player.”

Could J.J. Watt return to Texans in 2024 for postseason run?

J.J. Watt is retired, but he hasn’t ruled out potentially returning in a must-win situation for the Houston Texans down the line.

J.J. Watt might be enjoying retirement, but he hasn’t completely closed the door on suiting up for the Texans down the line.

At least that’s how he feels heading into the summer.

Watt told reporters prior to first pitch of his annual charity softball game that he’s been staying active while enjoying life away from the gridiron. However, Watt could be tempted to strap on the helmet if former teammate and current coach DeMeco Ryans needs him for a game en route to a Super Bowl.

“I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great. I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but if you ever do call, I’ll be there,'” Watt said. “And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it.”

The former three-time Defensive Player of the Year has a life outside of football. He and his wife, Kealia, are currently minority owners of Burnley Football Club in England.  Watt also recently was hired by CBS Sports as part of the new Sunday pregame crew.

While Watt hasn’t closed the chapter entirely when it comes to football, he “enjoys the couch” more than ever.

“I very much don’t want that to ever be the case,” Watt said. “I hope that everybody stays extremely healthy, and they dominate, and they don’t need any other bodies.”

Drafted 11th overall in 2011, Watt went on to set every defensive record in Texans’ history over his decade-long stay. He spent two seasons with the Cardinals before retiring following the 2022 season.

He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks (101), tackles for loss (172) and forced fumbles (25). Watt was also a five-time first-team All-Pro recipient and earned five Pro Bowl selections.

“I’m a very fortunate, lucky man,” Watt said. “I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son, I’ve had 12 great years in this league.”