Texans Ex Jonathan Owens Still Motivated By 'Chip' On His Shoulder
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans spent the last two seasons in an abyss. Houston won a combined seven games out of a possible 34 contests, which led to general manager Nick Caserio firing a pair of head coaches in back-to-back seasons.
The 2021 and 2022 campaigns are forgettable to most. But the early stages of the Texans' rebuild allowed former safety Jonathan Owens to thrive on an NFL level. And that still works as a positive for him.
"I'm undrafted — I take that with me everywhere I go," Owens said recently. "If anyone in the NFL knows when you say you're undrafted, it's always a respect thing. I went to a Division II school right out of high school. I always carried a chip on my shoulder."
Owens is making preparations ahead of training camp as a member of the Packers. He signed with Green Bay as a free agent for a one-year veteran's minimum in May.
His decision to join the Packers marked the end of his four-year stint with the Texans, where he established himself as a dependable safety for the past two seasons. Injuries and several trips to the practice squad roster made the first two years of Owens' time in Houston challenging.
But his fortunes began to change while helping the Texans win a 41-29 Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers inside NRG Stadium on Dec. 26, 2021.
Owens boosted the production of Houston's secondary by recording seven tackles and his first career interception. His performance in the win played a role in him making the Texans' 53-man roster for the first time in his career the following year.
He played in all 17 games for the first time in his career in 2022. Owens notched 125 tackles and a sack playing alongside then-rookie safety Jalen Pitre in the defensive backfield.
"It was just about being patient and waiting for that opportunity and Houston gave me that opportunity on the practice squad," Owens said. "I was overjoyed ... and I'm still here, man, fighting. It was all part of the journey."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here
Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
