Texans' Grayland Arnold Thrilled To Survive Cutdown Day: 'Great Feeling!’

For the first time in his career, Houston Texans defensive back Grayland Arnold made the initial 53-man roster.

HOUSTON — Grayland Arnold had his iPhone on Do Not Disturb for the majority of Aug. 29 — the NFL's cutdown day. 

He did not want to receive a call from general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans. The two spent the previous 24 hours calling Arnold's teammates to share the news that they did not make the final roster cut.

Although his phone did not receive calls, Arnold checked his notifications consistently. But, by 3 P.M. CT, Arnold was at the Houston Methodist Training Center participating in practice instead of cleaning out his locker. For the first time in his career, Arnold had made the initial 53-man roster. 

"It was the first time I did not get a call, and it was a great feeling," Arnold said. "But I understand that the work starts now. And that is the most important thing, regardless of the accomplishment. It was great not receiving that call."

Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles, Arnold received the grievous call for three consecutive years. His first experience came in 2020.

Arnold last received a call on cutdown day from Caserio and former coach Lovie Smith in 2022. They brought him back as a member of the practice squad roster. A few weeks later, the Texans later elevated the former Baylor prospect to the active squad twice. The results led to Arnold playing a career best eight games for the 3-13-1 Texans.

But coming into camp this season, Arnold's goal was to do his best and whatever the coaching staff asked of him on the field. For the first time in his career, the payoff led to Ryans noticing how the Texans could benefit from Arnold's versatility. 

"Guys who just love the grind — that’s what I like about it, because [the] NFL – it’s a tough business," Ryans said. "It’s tough on these players. So, I appreciate the grind. I try to make sure we’ve got guys who are going to grind through the difficult times, because once we go through the season, there will be ups and downs. 

"But who can stick with it? Who has that grit about themselves to stick through tough times? That’s the guys I want to go to war with."

The Texans made 35 transactions between players waived and released on cutdown day. But before commemorating the occasion, Arnold reached out to his former teammates to share words of encouragement.

Arnold told his teammates that not making the 53-man roster doesn't mean it's the end of the world. But they have to keep working to give themselves a better opportunity the following year.

When Arnold returned to his locker after practice, he stepped into Caserio's and Ryans' shoes to make a phone call. He dialed his dad to share the news. But given that his call came after practice, Arnold's family already knew he had made the team.

After accomplishing a career goal, the objective of improving does not change. Arnold vows to maintain the same work ethic that gave Caserio and Ryans the belief that he can be one of the initial 53 men to represent the Texans in 2023.

"The work never stops, and that is with everything," Arnold said. "The work never stops because there are always new things and changing pieces. I want to be able to fit in at any spot and position. I strive to do it at a high level."