'They Paid That Man!' Tytus Howard Reacts to New Texans Contract with 'Love'

Tytus Howard's contract extension with the Houston Texans is a testament to his football journey and the franchise's belief in him as a foundation building block.

HOUSTON — Day 3 of Houston Texans training camp ended with Tytus Howard addressing the media at the Houston Methodist Training Center. 

Howard took to the podium for the first time since signing a three-year $56 million extension Wednesday morning. While speaking, Laremy Tunsil walked by with a huge smile and shouted, "They paid that boy!"

The two offensive tackles have developed a close-knit relationship over the years. And by signing an extension, Howard will have a chance to continue his working relationship with Tunsil. That has Howard stoked, as he is grateful that the franchise not only gave him a chance as an HBCU prospect but believed in him as a foundational piece to a grueling rebuild.

"I pride myself in being a Texan," Howard said. "I feel like I want to be here my whole career. I love it here. The team, the camaraderie. This year has just been outstanding [and] I just knew I wanted to be a part of that. I see something good here building. I’m here for the future."  

Howard is the third longest-tenured player on the roster. The Texans drafted him with the No. 23 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. And since his arrival, Howard has seen the franchise at its best and worst over the previous four years.

But whether the Texans were competing in the AFC with the Kansas City Chiefs or plunging towards the bottom of the league with the Chicago Bears, Howard's production has always been consistent.

The Texans originally drafted Howard to help protect Deshaun Watson, but he has seen several quarterbacks start under center since his rookie year. However, regardless of the QB, Howard has excelled at protecting his quarterbacks.

According to Pro Football Focus, Howard has allowed an average of 2.2 sacks a year with a pass-blocking grade of 69.0.

Howard's rise as one of the NFL's top right tackles is impressive. He was a walk-on quarterback at Alabama State in 2014. Howard's first position change was at tight end. But before his freshman season, ASU's coaching staff moved him to right tackle. 

Howard became the first first-round prospect drafted from Alabama State three years after the position change.

"It’s been a long journey," Howard said. "All I wanted was a chance when I got here and they gave it to me. The Texans gave me a chance and I just ran with it, so as a personal feeling, I’m just grateful because everybody in my position doesn’t get a chance to show themselves like I did.

"I [hope] it’s an inspiration to the younger guys who are coming behind me from HBCUs to go out there and know that they can achieve everything they need to do. All they need to do is put their head down and work for real." 

Howard feels his development is "homegrown." He looks forward to using his career lessons to help protect C.J. Stroud in 2023, who assuming he starts will become Houston's fifth first-team quarterback since 2019. 

Howard is hoping his on-field attributes will lead to the Texans winning more games. A pay raise has also made Howard elevate his personal expectations in hopes of joining Tunsil as a Pro Bowler on the Texans' offensive line. 

"I’ve been paid, now I’ve got to go out there and get Pro Bowl and All-Pro [honors]," Howard said. "If I’m getting that, that means I’m only making the team better, man. That’s what it’s all about."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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