Laremy Tunsil Sees Himself As Mentor and X-Factor For Texans

Houston Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is excited to be returning to Houston after his record-setting contract extension.

Matt Galatzan | Mar 22, 2023

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Houston Texans

Houston Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil recently signed a three-year contract extension making him the highest-paid tackle in NFL history.

On Wednesday, he met with the media to explain his market-setting decision.

And as the 2023 season looms, Tunsil is optimistic about both the future of the Texans and the role he will play going forward.

"This organization is on a rise, especially getting a guy like DeMeco Ryans in this building," Tunsil told the official Houston Texans website. "He's a young, energy guy, younger coach, and he was actually a player here too. So getting a guy like that coming into the building means a lot. We're trying to get things turned around."

But another major priority for Tunsil outside of turning the franchise around on the field is becoming a mentor to the young players in the locker room.

And through his first few seasons in Houston, he has embraced that leadership position.

“As far as my role on this team, I view myself as the X-factor for this entire team and a mentor,” Tunsil said. “For the young guys like Jalen Pitre, Dameon Pierce, and Kenyon Green, I view myself as a mentor. Like a captain, a captain role... I’m here for those guys. I’m here for this team. I’m here to contribute to the team and help them to win games also.”

With his new contract in hand, Tunsil is humbled by the faith that Nick Caserio and the rest of the franchise have in him.

Now, the path ahead for him looks more clear than ever - become a historical member of the franchise, much like his predecessors such as Andre Johnson, J.J. Watt, and others.

“It means a lot for the team to believe in me especially coming from this organization that has unbelievable players like J.J. Watt, Andre Johnson, Vince Wilfork, (Brian) Cushing,” Tunsil said. “It means a lot to me that this organization believed in me and gave me another shot, another four years to contribute to the team.”

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Published Mar 22, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com