E.J. Speed Bio
Elbert Martin “E. J.” Speed is an American professional football linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tarleton State Texans and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, where he made a significant impact with notable achievements on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Speed grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and attended North Crowley High School. He played both quarterback and wide receiver for the Panthers football team and was named first-team All-District as a senior after passing for 3,000 yards, rushing for 350 yards, and catching 30 passes for 400 yards with two touchdowns. Speed was ranked a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked one of the top 30 high school recruits in the state of Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and received scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, Colorado, and Colorado State but he ultimately decided to play college football at NCAA Division II Tarleton State University in order to stay closer to his family after his stepbrother was diagnosed with cancer.
Path to American Football
Speed played five seasons for the Tarleton State Texans, redshirting his sophomore season due to injury. He was recruited to play quarterback, but was converted to wide receiver before moving to linebacker after his redshirt season. In his first season of playing time, Speed finished third on the team with 68 tackles, including 13 for loss, with six sacks and a Division II-high five forced fumbles and was named second-team All-Lone Star Conference (LSC). As a senior, Speed recorded a career-high 106 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks and was again named second-team All-LSC. Speed finished his collegiate career with 231 tackles, 36 of which were for a loss, 11.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles.
E.J. Speed Career
Early Career (2019-2021)
Speed was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round, 164th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut on September 15, 2019 in a 19–17 win over the Tennessee Titans, finishing his rookie season with seven total tackles in 12 games played. In 2020, Speed established himself as a special teams contributor, blocking a punt from Trevor Daniel that was picked up and taken into the end zone for a touchdown by teammate T. J. Carrie and was named the American Football Conference (AFC) Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 10. In Week 10 of the 2021 season, Speed returned a blocked punt 12 yards for a touchdown in a 23–17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time in his career.
Indianapolis Colts Breakthrough (2022-2024)
On March 15, 2023, Speed signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the Colts, solidifying his role with the team. In 2023, Speed played in 16 games with 11 starts, finishing second on the team with 102 tackles, one sack, four passes defensed, and three forced fumbles. During his time with the Colts, Speed developed into a reliable special teams contributor and rotational linebacker known for his ability to make game-changing plays on special teams. His consistent performance in coverage and on special teams made him a valuable asset to the Colts’ defensive unit.
Houston Texans Era (2025-Present)
On March 29, 2025, Speed signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Houston Texans. He played in 16 games with nine starts, recording 62 tackle and one pass deflection. On March 10, 2026, Speed signed a two-year, $13 million contract extension with the Texans, indicating his continued importance to the team. The Texans acquired Speed to add veteran leadership and special teams expertise to their linebacker corps, and he has quickly established himself as a key contributor in both defense and special teams.
Playing Style and Strengths
Speed is known for his versatility and athleticism, having played multiple positions throughout his career. His background as a quarterback and wide receiver gives him a unique perspective on offensive tendencies, making him effective in coverage. Speed excels at reading plays and disrupting offensive schemes with his ability to anticipate plays. His experience on special teams, particularly as a punt blocker, has become one of his defining characteristics, earning him multiple special teams awards during his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Speed’s most notable achievements include being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice in his career, both for punt return touchdowns. He also holds the distinction of being the first player in NFL history to return two blocked punts for touchdowns in the same season. His ability to impact games on special teams has made him one of the most valuable special teams players in the league, with teams actively seeking his presence on their rosters.
E.J. Speed Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Speed has established himself as a reliable contributor on special teams and as a versatile linebacker. While traditional wins aren’t typical for defensive players, Speed has been instrumental in numerous game-changing plays for his teams, particularly on special teams where he has directly contributed to touchdowns and key momentum shifts.
NFL Highlights
Speed’s impact has been most significant on special teams, where he has blocked punts, returned them for touchdowns, and consistently made key tackles that have helped swing games in his team’s favor. His ability to contribute on special teams has earned him multiple accolades, including AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. While traditional statistics like wins aren’t applicable to his position, his value is measured in game-changing plays and consistent performance in high-leverage situations.
E.J. Speed Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Speed comes from a supportive family background that played a role in his decision to attend college close to home during a difficult time. His stepbrother’s diagnosis with cancer influenced his choice to stay at Tarleton State University rather than accept scholarship offers at larger schools. This decision demonstrates his commitment to family values and priorities, which have remained consistent throughout his professional career.
Personal Life
Speed maintains a presence on social media with accounts on Twitter (@ej_speed) and Instagram (@district.5_/), where he shares insights into his life as a professional athlete. His social media presence allows fans to follow his journey both on and off the field, providing a glimpse into his personality and interests outside of football.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Speed quickly established himself as a key contributor for the Houston Texans. He played in 16 games with nine starts, recording 62 tackles and one pass deflection. His ability to contribute both as a starter and on special teams made him a valuable asset to the team. Speed’s veteran presence and experience in the league provided stability to the Texans’ linebacker corps, particularly for younger players still developing in the system. His consistent performance throughout the season contributed to the Texans’ defensive success and helped establish a solid foundation for the team’s continued development.