Texans Tytus Howard: 'All I Wanted Was a Chance' Coming From HBCU, Alabama State

Houston Texans offensive lineman addresses the media on proving his naysayers were wrong in being drafted out of an HBCU football program.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard spoke to the media at Texans Training Camp about his appreciation for being an HBCU graduate from Alabama State University.  Earlier this week, the team's 2019 first-round pick agreed to a three-year, $56 million contract extension.   Howard's selection as the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft was met with boos, doubt, and speculation by fans and pundits.  Why?  Because he was out of an HBCU, and not a Power 5 football program.

Since he arrived in Houston, Howard has evolved into one of the best offensive linemen in the National Football League.  Texans sports reporter Brian Barefield, an HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M, inquired about the Hornets alum's feelings on proving his naysayers wrong. 

July 28, 2023; Texans Offensive Lineman Tytus Howard at 2023 Texans Training Camp in Houston, Texas; Credit: Brian Barefield, Big Sarge Sportz

Howard replied, "It's been a long journey.  All I wanted was a chance when I first got here.  They gave it to me, the Texans gave me a chance, and I just ran with it.  So, my personal feeling is that I'm just grateful.  Because everybody in my position didn't get a chance to show themselves like I did.  So for me to be able to go out and take advantage of it.  It's just inspiration to all the young guys who come behind me from HBCUs, to go out there and know that they can achieve everything they need to do.  All they got to do is put your head down and work, for real."

In June, Howard was named the NFLPA 2023 Black College Football Player of the Year at the Black College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Atlanta, GA.

"Tytus has been a good player for the last number of years," Caserio said. "... It was good working with his team and his representation."

Last season, the 6-5 and 322-pound lineman played 997 (640 passes, 357 rushes) offensive snaps for the Texans, allowing three sacks, five QB hits, and 38 pressures while getting flagged with nine penalties.  PFF gave Howard a 67.9 overall grade as an offensive lineman with 70.2 pass-blocking and 64.5 run-blocking grades.