Tytus Howard Honored on Black & Gold Weekend

Tytus Howard Houston Texans

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The wall upon entering the Houston Markham, Jr. Football Complex is lined with former Alabama State football players who were drafted by teams in the National Football League (NFL). On Saturday, another was added to the wall albeit in a new space to honor the highest draft pick in school history.

Tytus Howard was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, becoming the highest draft pick in school history, and now sits atop the stairs of the Markham Complex for every current and future Hornet to pass by each day. The eight-foot-high mural sits just outside the old offensive meeting room and can be seen as individuals step off the elevator and walk up the stairs entering the building.

“Tytus Howard is a big part of the Alabama State football family,” head coach Eddie Robinson, Jr. said. “Having him back on campus is always inspiring and brings energy to the players and coaching staff. He is a role model for our student-athletes by his play on the field, and his commitment to family and community off the field. We wish him and the Houston Texans the best of luck this upcoming season.”

The Hornets had four players drafted in the second round prior to the Texans pick in 2019 with Curtis Green selected by Detroit (46th) in 1982, Robinson by Houston (50th) in 1992, Lester Sims by Cleveland (51st) in 1972, and Tarvaris Jackson by Minnesota (64th) in 2006.

Howard’s story is one for the ages as he finished his high school career as a quarterback before arriving at Alabama State as a walk-on tight end for then-head coach Reggie Barlow. He moved from tight to offensive line and the rest is history as he was named All-SWAC, invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and the NFL Combine before hearing his name called on the opening night of the NFL Draft in 2019.

“It’s an amazing feeling, it’s just really unexplainable,” Howard said back in 2019 after being drafted. “It’s a blessing to be picked in the first round and I am just grateful for my family and for everyone at Alabama State for what they have done for me. This is a big day for all HBCUs.”

Since that night, Howard has become a starter along the offensive line for the Texans and earned a nod on the 2019 PFWA All-Rookie Team after starting eight games his rookie season. Since then, the 6-5, 322-pound lineman played in 14 games in 2020 and another 15 in 2021 – all 27 games have been starts.

“It felt good being back at ‘Bama State this weekend,” Howard said. “I remember coming in as a walk-on and stepping foot into the football complex for the first time. All of us (freshmen) looked at the wall and thought what it would be like to make the wall one day. It was a long journey, but I can say I finally made it. It is one of the most exciting feelings ever, but I am not done yet.”

Howard opens his fourth season with the Texans against Washington at home.

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