Veteran Texans DB Desmond King isn’t afraid of Houston’s potential: ‘We’re a promising team’

If anyone deserved this award, it’s King, a veteran who came to Houston hoping to simply continue his career and lead a team in transition. He found success amid the Texans’ struggles in 2021 and 2022, even filling the role of punt returner for a team in need of capable talent at multiple spots, but as Houston plodded to 4-13 and 3 -13-1 in 2021. and 2022 under two different head coaches, it would only be fair for a player like King to consider options elsewhere.

He did so in 2023, signing with the Steelers. That didn’t last long, however, as Pittsburgh released him during the season. When it came time to find a new home, King headed to a familiar place: Houston.

He latched on at the perfect time, joining a Texas team that had gone from also-ran to budding contender, playing in seven games (three starts) and recording 47 tackles (five for loss) as part of a revitalized defense led by rookie coach. DeMeco Ryans. With Stroud leading an exciting offense, Houston reached the playoffs and eliminated the Cleveland Browns during Super Wild Card Weekend before falling to the conference’s top seed, the Baltimore Ravens, in the round division, sending the Texans into the offseason with the promise of potential. until 2024.

Immediately, it was clear that the Texans would no longer function as an NFL afterthought. That was all King needed to decide to return to Houston, where the veteran understands the 2024 season could be the start of something big — provided the Texans don’t waste time reading their own praise.

“Honestly, it’s all about staying focused on the goal,” King said. “We know what kind of team we have. That said, you see it every day in the locker room. That’s what we do when we go out on that field. Yes, we have the noise. We have the hype behind us, but it does not exist on this practice field when we work.

“That’s what it’s all about. We put in blood, sweat and tears every day. We know what we have and we have to believe in what we have, and that’s what really matters.”

There is no guarantee that the Texans will continue their momentum toward another successful season in 2024. It takes a lot for an NFL team to continue to be successful, but King is now certain that Houston has what it takes to win. And after spending two seasons of mediocrity, I hope the wait will be worth it.