Tag: justin britt

Former Iowa Hawkeyes OL Justin Britt announces retirement from football

After entering the transfer portal and some reflection, former Iowa offensive lineman Justin Britt announced his retirement from football.

Justin Britt has announced he is retiring from football after recent thought and speculation.

The former Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman released a statement via his personal Twitter account announcing the decision and thanking Hawkeye fans for their support throughout his career.

“I’ve had a lot of time to decide what my next move was. It’s been a really hard decision, but after a bunch of prayer I’ve decided to just hang up the cleats. Football will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you all for the support I’ve gotten during this journey. 63 out,” Britt wrote in his announcement.

Britt joined Iowa as a three-star out of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. 247Sports rated Britt as the 36th-best offensive guard and the No. 11 recruit in Indiana in the 2019 class. He chose the Hawkeyes over offers from Purdue, Arizona, Cincinnati, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Washington State.

While at Iowa, Britt saw action in 16 games and made three starts, primarily at right guard. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2022 season due to an injury. Britt decided to enter the transfer portal in March.

While Britt battled injuries and saw limited action, he was always among the fan favorites as a player with great charisma and an even better mentality. The now-former Iowa lineman laid it out there for the Hawkeyes during his tenure and was always battling. Whatever is up next for Britt will surely see success and be the next chapter in a great story.

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Justin Britt announces transfer from Iowa Hawkeyes

Best of luck, Justin! Here’s a look back at Justin Britt’s career with the Iowa Hawkeyes after he announced his transfer portal entry.

Justin Britt’s career with the Iowa Hawkeyes has officially come to a close.

It seemed like that would be the case back in February when Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz addressed Britt’s health status on National Signing Day.

“Yeah, J.B. is on a medical and will finish his degree. He’s here in town. He’ll graduate in May. That’s the victory there,” Ferentz said at the time.

When Britt quickly responded on social media to Ferentz’s comments, it led to some confusion for Hawkeye Nation, though.

“No.. I have not retired from football,” Britt tweeted on Feb. 1.

Now, Britt announced he is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal.

“I’ve officially entered the transfer portal as a grad transfer. I want to thank Iowa football for an amazing time. Can’t wait to see where the next chapter begins,” Britt tweeted yesterday.

According to 247Sports, Britt arrived in Iowa City as a three-star offensive guard signee out of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind. in the 2019 signing class. The 6-foot-5 offensive lineman was the nation’s No. 36 offensive guard and the No. 11 player from Indiana per 247Sports.

Britt appeared in 16 career games and started the first three games at right guard during the 2021 season. Ferentz revealed to reporters at Big Ten Media Days last July that complications with a previous knee injury would sideline Britt for all of last season.

As a graduate transfer, Britt has one season of eligibility remaining. He could apply for two more years of eligibility via a medical redshirt and through the extra year of eligibility granted for athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.

Here’s a look at Britt’s time with Iowa in pictures.

Texans release C Justin Britt, sign DB Kendall Sheffield to active roster

The Houston Texans have released center Justin Britt and signed cornerback Kendall Sheffield to the active roster.

The Houston Texans continue to eat around the edges as they prepare for their free agency moves when the new league year begins March 15.

The Texans released center Justin Britt Friday. The former Seattle Seahawks 2014 second-round pick played in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts and was placed on the non-football illness list thereafter. Britt never played another down for the Texans last season, and Scott Quessenberry played the next 16 games at center.

Sheffield spent last offseason with the Texans but was placed on injured reserve at the end of preseason. Houston released him on Oct. 11, and the Dallas Cowboys kept the former Atlanta Falcons 2019 fourth-round cornerback on their practice squad through the end of the regular season.

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Texans place LB Kevin Pierre Louis on injured reserve, C Justin Britt on non-football illness list

The Houston Texans placed LB Kevin Pierre-Louis on injured reserve and also placed C Justin Britt on the reserve/non-football illness list.

The Houston Texans are starting to take on the attrition of the regular season.

The club announced Tuesday they have placed linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis on injured reserve. Pierre-Louis sustained a groin injury in the 16-9 loss at the Denver Broncos in Week 2.

The Texans also announced they placed on starting center Justin Britt on the reserve/non-football illness list. Britt started on Opening Day against the Indianapolis Colts, but missed the loss to the Broncos in Week 2.

Scott Quessenberry started in place of Britt at center. Second-year linebacker Garret Wallow has been inactive for the first two weeks of the regular season.

 

Texans vs. Broncos inactives: WR Phillip Dorsett inactive for Week 2

The Houston Texans declared their inactives ahead of their Week 2 encounter with the Denver Broncos.

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The Houston Texans announced their inactives ahead of their Week 2 encounter with the Denver Broncos Sunday at 3:25 p.m. at Empower Field at Mile High.

Houston declared quarterback Kyle Allen, receiver Phillip Dorsett, linebacker Garret Wallow, receiver Tyler Johnson, defensive end Damone Harris, and linebacker Jake Hansen inactive.

The Texans already declared center Justin Britt out for Week 2.

Denver declared linebacker Josey Jewell (calf), receiver K.J. Hamler (knee/hip), guard-center Quinn Meinerz (hamstring), offensive lineman Billy Turner (knee), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, receiver Jalen Virgil and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike inactive.

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Texans C Justin Britt feels like offense can ‘run in any scenario’

Houston Texans center Justin Britt believes that the offense should be able to run the ball in any scenario when asked.

The Houston Texans’ offense is built around the running game.

However, the running game wasn’t too much of a factor in the team’s 20-20 tie with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 at NRG Stadium. The Texans mustered 77 yards on 28 carries, a 2.8 yards per carry. Rex Burkhead was the leading rusher with 14 carries for 40 yards while fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce, who was expected to give the run game a significant boost, had 11 carries for 33 yards.

Even though the Texans’ run game was lacking and wanting on Opening Day, center Justin Britt believes they still have the ability to establish their will in the ground game.

“We feel like we can run in any scenario,” Britt told reporters Sept. 13. “At the end of the day whatever play call is called, we try to execute it. However we get to the win, we get there. We have goals of hitting a certain amount of rushing yards or yards per rush. That matters to us. So whenever we don’t hit those, we’ll evaluate and see what we need to do better.”

With the Texans getting a tie rather than a win, especially after leading 20-3 in the fourth quarter, there is an invitation to feel pessimistic. Nevertheless Britt sees the tie as an opportunity for the Texans to carry the momentum of avoiding a loss into their Week 2 encounter with the Denver Broncos.

“In the first half, we were moving the ball down the field,” said Britt. “I thought until late in the game our protection was doing pretty well. We’ll pick at it and see. But I think for me personally and maybe as the group it’s just consistency and continuing it for the whole 60 minutes.”

The Texans are tied with the Colts for first place in the AFC South with both clubs sporting an 0-0-1 record. Houston kicks off at Denver at 3:25 p.m. Central Time from Empower Field at Mile High.

Texans C Justin Britt blames himself for offensive line miscommunication

Houston Texans center Justin Britt says that if there are any miscommunication issues with the offensive line, it starts with him.

The Houston Texans had two false start penalties in overtime, each on their only two drives of the extra period against the Indianapolis Colts in their 20-20 tie in Week 1 at NRG Stadium.

Right tackle Tytus Howard had a false start on a third-and-17 from the Houston 33-yard line that turned into a third-and-22 from Houston’s 28. The Texans didn’t convert and quarterback Davis Mills was sacked for a 4-yard loss.

Howard, along with left tackle Laremy Tunsil, mentioned after the game there were miscommunication issues along the line.

Center Justin Britt took responsibility for the five-man unit’s miscommunication problems on Tuesday when meeting with reporters.

“If there is a communication error, it starts with me being the voice of the O-line,” said Britt. “The guy who sets it all. I false started for something that shouldn’t have happened. I was late on a snap and Tytus false started, and again, that shouldn’t have happened. Just things like that. Just do better next time.”

Britt had the Texans’ second false start penalty in overtime. On a second-and-2 from the Houston 40, Britt had a pre-snap penalty that moved Houston back five yards. The Texans were able to overcome the penalty and keep the drive alive, which ultimately ended in the controversial decision from Lovie Smith to punt on fourth-and-3 from the Colts’ 49-yard line with 26 seconds remaining.

Houston has a chance to get on the same page with their offensive line communication when they take on the Denver Broncos Sunday at 3:25 p.m. Central Time at Empower Field at Mile High.

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Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Connor Colby flexing his versatility

Iowa offensive lineman Connor Colby has been working at both guard and tackle, showcasing his versatility for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa offensive lineman Connor Colby has been showcasing his versatility, working at both offensive guard and tackle during the Hawkeyes’ 2022 training camp.

It’s already been important and figures to remain that way, too. Unfortunately, the Hawkeyes lost guard Justin Britt for the season, and while these aren’t season-ending injuries and don’t seem particularly serious listening to the Iowa coaching staff, both Mason Richman and Nick DeJong sat out during the Hawkeyes’ open scrimmage at the Kids’ Day at Kinnick.

After a season in which Colby started each of Iowa’s final 11 games at right guard, the ideal destination is probably to keep the 6-foot-6, 308 pound offensive lineman right there on the inside. Still, his versatility is something the Hawkeye coaching staff has to love.

Listening to Colby at Iowa Media Day, he’s fine so long as he’s got a spot on the field.

“I mean it’s been fun, anything I can do to be out there and play football. It’s a change up every now and then, keeps me on my toes,” Colby said.

Ultimately, Colby is keeping any inherent differences between guard and tackle pretty simplistic.

“You have to be ready no matter what, because no matter what there’s going to be a good guy across from you and you have to be ready to handle them,” Colby said.

In terms of bright futures in Iowa City, Colby’s would have to be right toward the top of the list. As a true freshman, Colby garnered All-America status from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the Maxwell Football Club.

Thanks to his standout true frosh campaign, Colby has been picking up recognition before this 2022 season boots off. Phil Steele named Colby a preseason second-team All-Big Ten selection, while Athlon Sports handed out preseason third-team All-Big Ten status to the sophomore.

With plenty expected of Colby, he’s just happy to be fully settled into what Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett and the Hawkeyes are asking of him.

“This year I have a better understanding of what’s going. I need to keep improving my fundamentals in order to make a big difference from this year to last year,” Colby said.

The Hawkeyes head into 2022 as one of the favorites in the Big Ten West. As the defending West division champion, there’s a laundry list of games that could fit the billing as one of the Hawkeyes’ most important.

Colby isn’t ready to iron down which one he’s looking forward to the most.

“I am excited for all of them, but I think the first time back in Kinnick Stadium will be fun. Coming out of the tunnel again, experiencing the atmosphere of all the fans. And they are all sold out this year, which is a testament to our loyal fan support,” Colby said.

As Iowa looks to get more out of its offense in 2022, one of the reasons for optimism is the man from Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Colby epitomizes a lot of the Hawkeyes’ hopes along their offensive line.

Similar to several of his teammates, the hope is his inexperience from last season morphs into seasoned play in 2022.

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Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Diante Vines sidelined until at least midseason with wrist injury

Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Diante Vines will be sidelined until at least midseason with a wrist injury per head coach Kirk Ferentz.

It’s the piece of football that there’s just no perfect defense for. Injuries happen and Iowa—like everyone else in college football—was hoping that they could avoid as many of them throughout the offseason and camp as possible.

Instead, after Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz recently announced the season-ending injuries to offensive guard Justin Britt and wide receiver Jackson Ritter, the Hawkeyes unfortunately now have another injury to report.

“On a negative note, I think I’ve already mentioned Justin Britt will not be able to play this year, Jackson Ritter, and one to add to the list, at least for the start of the season in our two deep. Diante Vines injured his wrist. He’ll be in a cast. You’ll see that, and that is going to impact the beginning part of the season for him.

“That’s unfortunate. He’s was really practicing well, and certainly would have been a guy who could help contribute to our football team. It’s not season-ending I don’t think, but, hopefully, we’ll get him back here somewhere midseason, whenever. We’ll just kind of take that day by day,” Ferentz told reporters at Iowa’s Media Day.

As it currently stands according to the depth chart that the Hawkeyes released just in front of Big Ten Media Days, Iowa’s wide receivers depth chart looks like this: the two that were listed as No. 1 receivers are Keagan Johnson and Nico Ragaini and the two that were listed as No. 2 receivers are Alec Wick and Arland Bruce IV.

Of course, Bruce started several games for the Hawkeyes last season and reeled in 25 grabs for 209 receiving yards with one touchdown reception and three more rushing scores.

Johnson led the way for Iowa receivers in 2021 with 18 receptions for 352 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown grabs, while Ragaini added 26 catches for 331 yards and one score.

While Iowa has been handed a pair of wide receiver injuries to both Ritter and now Vines, Ferentz seemed otherwise upbeat about what he’s seeing from those who are available.

“Receivers, injuries have been part of the deal there, predictably. Hopefully, we’re making progress, but seeing really good performances from Nico, our most veteran guy, and then Arland Bruce has done really a good job, too. Of note, Alec Wick has done a good job. Young guys who we didn’t know a lot about until last spring basically. He’s really done a good job, as well,” Ferentz said.

Still, it’s worth mentioning that Iowa also saw the departure of a pair of wide receivers through the transfer portal this offseason. Charlie Jones and Tyrone Tracy Jr. both transferred to Purdue.

Add to it that Johnson has been battling the injury bug this offseason and there’s at least cause for some angst among the Iowa fan base about what the wide receiver depth looks like headed into this season.

“Keagan is working back. He won’t do a lot tomorrow, but he’s working back. I think he’s close to being where he needs to be, and hopefully the same thing with Brody (Brecht). They’re really the two guys that have missed the most time now.

“If you look big picture, you’re including spring practice, too. So that’s—I don’t know if concerned is the right word, but that’s where my awareness is. They missed a lot of time. To get them back and playing effectively with the right tempo and getting the timing down on the offense, all those kinds of things, and you’ve heard me say it before, meetings are important, they have value and all that, but you learn how to play football by playing it. You’ve got to go out there on the field and play it,” Ferentz said.

Really, it’s probably more important for Brecht to see plenty of snaps throughout camp, but it wouldn’t hurt for quarterbacks Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla along with the Hawkeyes’ offensive coaching staff to get to see both of those targets back quickly.

“The sooner we can get them back, hopefully it’s next week, that’ll be encouraging. They’re both—in Keagan’s case, he’s played 12 games, 13 games, so he’s got experience there, but you still have to play the game and practice. Brody is a little different story because he hasn’t played. We really liked what we saw when he came back in the fall, but we’ve got to get him going.

“Hopefully, it’s sooner than later. I think it will be. But everybody else is doing a good job, and I think we’ve got some flexibility personnel-wise just with the tight ends. I think we’ve got a little flexibility there. We’ll figure that out, but so far, so good. I think our passing game, I think it’s on the right track right now,” Ferentz said.

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Texans C Justin Britt not letting knee injury slow down his play

Houston Texans center Justin Britt has worked his way back from knee injuries, but won’t allow them to make him play with any hesitation.

Justin Britt has had a long journey to get to the starting center job for the Houston Texans.

Britt, a former Seattle Seahawks 2014 second-round pick from Missouri, played in all but one game for the NFC West club through the 2018 season. In 2019, Britt was limited to eight games as he tore his ACL on Oct. 27 against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Seahawks released Britt during the 2020 offseason. The former Lebanon High School product had a tryout with the Green Bay Packers ahead of Week 1, and later worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs in their week leading up to the AFC Championship Game.

It wasn’t until the Texans took a chance and signed Britt in the 2021 offseason that he had a shot to revitalize his career.

Through 11 starts, Britt regained confidence at center. However, he missed six games due to knee injuries to the same knee where he tore his ACL in 2019.

At 31 years old, Britt is not going to let the knee issues generate any anxiety or hesitancy when it comes to his play.

“I mean, some of it’s inevitable and you’ve just got to go out there and play carefree and you can’t really worry about that,” Britt told reporters after the second day of training camp practice on July 30 at Houston Methodist Training Center.

There are small aspects that Britt pays attention to in order to ensure he is in his best playing condition.

“I show up really early in the morning so I have time to warm up the knees, get loose, stretch and make sure everything’s working properly,” Britt said. “Then just staying on top of the strength and conditioning. I mean, it’s a grind. It’s a battle. We are going to be going still February hopefully, so it’s just staying on top of that and building a routine and really buying into it.”

The Texans have Jimmy Morrissey and Justin McCray as backups at center. Morrissey started four games at center in 2021 as a rookie.