The Houston Texans got themselves back into the playoff race by adjusting throughout the season, and their Week 15 win over the Arizona Cardinals was more of the same, with running back Jawhar Jordan stealing the show.
Jordan is in his second season with the Texans, but he was making his NFL regular-season debut in Week 15.
Jordan did not just contribute; he starred for the Texans.
Jawhar Jordan Sends Strong Message After NFL Debut
GettyJawhar Jordan #22 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jordan said it was a “surreal” performance and a “blessing” to be active. The second-year back was at a loss for words to describe his emotions, calling it “crazy” and saying that it was “probably a top day.”
“I just let the game come to me,” Jordan said after the Texans’ win over the Cardinals, per The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren. “I felt like I was having a good game. And I felt like I could do a lot more. It’s just a crazy feeling to know I had 100, knowing that I left some food on the plate. It’s really cool.”
Per Warren, Jordan joins Ben Tate as the second back in Texans franchise history to surpass 100 yards in their debut.
He is also the Texans’ first 100-yard rusher this season
Jordan was a sixth-round draft pick by the Texans, selected 205th overall in 2024. But he joined a backfield that already traded for Joe Mixon and had drafted Dameon Pierce in 2022. Then, the Texans signed Nick Chubb and drafted Woody Marks this past spring.
They still have veteran Dare Ogubowale, too. Jordan remained on the Texans’ practice squad, even as they shuffled in other options this season. He never got down on himself.
Jordan preached patience in awaiting one’s time to shine, saying it was a “blessing” to get his.
DeMeco Ryans Praises Jawhar Jordan
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts against the San Francisco 49ers.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans lauded Jordan for his patience, persistence, and performance when called upon.
“Jawhar did a outstanding job for us. For the young man to come in, and for his first game, to have a debut like he had,” Ryans told reporters on December 14. “He ran the ball very, very well, efficient. Showed some of the explosiveness, showed the speed that he has, and that we’ve seen in practice and practice squad for us.”
“Whenever your number is called, are you ready for that opportunity? And no one knows until you get that moment. And it’s about you taking advantage of that moment and not looking back, and I thought Jawhar handled it very well.”
Ryans compared Jordan toiling on the practice squad to a player like Azeez Al-Shaair.
Al-Shaair was undrafted and had to prove himself from the outset. Jordan was drafted, but his start was certainly delayed.
“You never know how guys will respond,” Ryans said. “But we’ve seen flashes of it in practice. For him to come out and do it today, it was really, really cool to see, and really proud of him for just staying the course. It’s easy to get discouraged. When you’re not getting called up, it’s easy to get discouraged. But I think he’s handled himself the right way every week, and he took advantage of today.”
Ryans delivered an impassioned monologue postgame, giving praise and a game ball to Jordan in the locker room. Jordan received plenty of praise from teammates, who have seen the work he has put in behind the scenes.
All that work benefited the group in Week 15.
How the Texans’ backfield shakes out next week, when Chubb could be back in action, will be a source of intrigue.
C.J. Stroud Touts Shared Faith With Jawhar Jordan
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers.
C.J. Stroud also praised Jordan, who has leaned on him and Will Anderson Jr. amid their shared religious beliefs.
Stroud called Jordan “my dawg.”
“Somebody who I got to see come in and put in work, and been making plays for a long time at practice and camp, in preseason games. And he gets a shot today, and I thought he took full advantage. He’s a brother in Christ, and he was relying on the Lord,” Stroud said postgame.
“I’m just super proud of him and his ability, you know, to make cuts and set up blocks. I thought he did a great job, and he’s just – he’s super fast. So, I try to get out there on one of them and block for him, and he’s a little too fast for me. But I thought he did amazing today. I’m super proud of him.”
Stroud was proud of Jordan’s efforts, calling it “surreal.” He also said it was unsurprising that his teammate had put on such a showing.
Stroud said he already knew “how good he is.”
“But I think even for him, you can see in his eyes pregame. And I’m like, ‘Man, I’m here with you every play. I got your back. Whatever you need, man, you let me know.’” Stroud told media members.
“He knew all the plays. He was prepared, making the right cuts, making the right reads, being good in pass protection. So, I thought he stepped up big for us, man. And I’m just super proud of him, So, he’s been a baller. I think he’s going to keep going.”
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