For Texans' Will Anderson Jr., Winning Rookie Defensive Player of the Year Was Always a Goal

Thursday night, Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. will have a chance to win his first major award as his rookie season ends.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will not represent the AFC during Super Bowl LVIII, but several members from the organization could leave Las Vegas with significant hardware. 

Will Anderson Jr. is one of a handful of Texans who could take home a noteworthy honor amid being a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Winning the award would cap off an outstanding rookie season for Anderson, who also received his first Pro Bowl selection as a result of a prominent first year in Houston. 

Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs off the field at the end of the first half against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

"It was on my goal sheet, 100 percent," Anderson told NFL.com. "It was marked big on my goal sheet: NFL Defensive Rooke of the Year. Just to be in this position is a blessing."

Anderson established himself as a prominent cornerstone within his first season with the Texans. He finished the 2023 season with 45 tackles, 29 solo hits, 22 quarterback hits, and 7.0 sacks. 

His best performance came during the Texans' Week 17 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Fans inside NRG Stadium were thrilled to welcome the former Alabama prospect back to the field after a two-game absence due to an ankle injury. 

Anderson was on a limited snap count. But despite the management, Anderson had one of his most impactful games of the season. He had a handful of pressures, which led to a pair of sacks.

With 43 seconds left in the second quarter, Anderson's seventh career sack broke the Texans' single-season record for a rookie. In addition to accounting for two of Houston's five sacks, Anderson also played a prominent role in helping the Texans hold the Titans to 53 rushing yards, with Derrick Henry leading the way with 42 yards on 12 carries.

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Quarterback C.J. Stroud will join Will Anderson Jr. in Las Vegas for the NFL Honors. The Pro Bowl quarterback is the favored to take home Offensive Rookie of the Year. Coach DeMeco Ryans is a finalist for Coach of the Year, while offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is in the running for Assistant Coach of the Year.