Tytus Howard Bio
Tytus Howard is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 23, 1996, in Monroeville, Alabama, Howard made history in 2019 when the Houston Texans selected him in the first round (23rd overall) of the NFL Draft, making him the first player from Alabama State University to achieve that distinction. Throughout his career with the Texans, Howard has been a consistent presence on the offensive line, starting 93 games across his seasons in Houston. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2019 and continued to establish himself as a key piece of the Texans organization through the 2025 season.
Early Life and Background
Tytus Howard was born on May 23, 1996, in Monroeville, Alabama, a small town known for its literary connections to Harper Lee. He attended Monroe County High School in Alabama, where his athletic abilities began to attract attention. Howard’s combination of size and agility made him a standout prospect on the high school level, setting the foundation for his future football career. His development during these formative years would prove instrumental in his eventual transition to the collegiate ranks.
After high school, Howard continued his football journey at the collegiate level, choosing to attend Alabama State University. Playing for the Alabama State Hornets from 2014 to 2018, Howard developed his skills against competition in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). His consistent performance on the offensive line earned him recognition, culminating in his selection as a First-team All-SWAC honoree during his senior season in 2018. These college years served as the proving ground that would launch him into professional football.
Path to the NFL
Howard’s progression through college football at Alabama State prepared him for the next level, though his transition from a smaller program to the NFL required determination and adaptability. The visibility he gained through his All-SWAC performance helped raise his draft profile among NFL scouts. His combination of size (6 feet 5 inches, 322 pounds) and athletic ability made him an intriguing prospect at the offensive tackle position.
The culmination of Howard’s journey came in April 2019, when he achieved a historic milestone for his university. The Houston Texans selected Howard with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, making him the first Alabama State player ever to be selected in the first round of an NFL Draft. This accomplishment represented not only a personal triumph but also opened doors for future players from the program. Howard’s selection demonstrated that talent from smaller programs could succeed at the highest level of professional football.
Tytus Howard Career
Rookie Season (2019)
Howard began his professional career with the Houston Texans in 2019, stepping into a significant role immediately. He started eight games during his rookie season, demonstrating his versatility by playing seven games at right tackle and one game at left guard. This adaptability showcased his football intelligence and ability to contribute at multiple positions along the offensive line. Despite the learning curve inherent in transitioning to the NFL, Howard’s performance reflected his potential.
However, his rookie campaign was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on November 30, 2019. Despite this setback, Howard’s body of work throughout the season earned him recognition from the Pro Football Writers of America, who named him to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. This honor validated his standing as one of the top first-year players at his position and established expectations for his future contributions to the team.
Houston Texans Era (2019–2025)
Howard entered the 2020 season with increased expectations and built upon his rookie success. He started the first 14 games of the season at right tackle, establishing himself as a consistent performer on the Texans’ offensive line. This sustained performance demonstrated his durability and reliability as a starter in the NFL. Unfortunately, his season was cut short once again when he was placed on injured reserve on December 23, 2020, limiting him to 14 appearances that year.
Howard’s continued development with the Texans led to the organization exercising his fifth-year contract option on May 2, 2022. This decision reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities and long-term value to the franchise. By this point, Howard had become a stable presence on the offensive line, contributing to the team’s protection schemes and rushing attacks.
On July 26, 2023, Howard and the Texans agreed to a significant contract extension worth $56 million over three years, securing his future with the organization through the 2026 season. This deal represented both a reward for his performance and a commitment to his continued growth. However, the 2023 season brought challenges, as Howard suffered a broken hand in practice before the season and was placed on injured reserve on September 6. He was activated briefly on October 7 before returning to injured reserve on November 29 after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 12.
Throughout his tenure with the Texans through the 2025 season, Howard started 93 consecutive games, demonstrating remarkable consistency and durability when healthy. His career arc reflects both his resilience in overcoming injuries and his value as a foundational player on the Texans’ offensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an offensive tackle, Howard brings a combination of size, strength, and footwork that allows him to protect the quarterback’s blind side and create running lanes. His 6-foot-5-inch frame provides the length needed to engage pass rushers, while his mobility enables him to handle speed rushes on the edge. Throughout his career with the Texans, Howard has been relied upon to anchor one of the most critical positions on the offensive line, demonstrating the consistency and technique required at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Howard’s most significant career milestone remains his historic selection in the 2019 NFL Draft as the first Alabama State player ever chosen in the first round. This achievement not only marked his individual success but also represented a breakthrough for players from his university. Additionally, his Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award in 2023 highlighted his accomplishments stemming from his HBCU background, bridging his collegiate and professional achievements.
Tytus Howard Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career with the Houston Texans from 2019 through 2025, Howard has been a consistent starter on the offensive line, contributing to the team’s offensive production and protection schemes. His 93 career starts represent a significant body of work at the professional level.
Houston Texans Highlights
Howard’s career with the Texans includes 93 games started across his seasons with the organization. His rookie season achievements, including the PFWA All-Rookie Team selection, established the foundation for his professional reputation. The 2023 season saw him earn the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award, recognizing his success as a product of the historically black college football tradition. His consistency as a starter, when healthy, has been a hallmark of his time in Houston.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NFL career, Howard’s collegiate achievements include being named First-team All-SWAC during his senior season at Alabama State in 2018. This recognition at the conference level demonstrated his dominance against FCS competition and helped launch his professional career. His journey from a small-town Alabama high school to first-round NFL draft pick represents a significant trajectory of athletic achievement.
| Competition Level | Games Started | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (Houston Texans) | 93 | PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019), Black College Football Pro Player of the Year (2023) |
| College (Alabama State) | Multiple | First-team All-SWAC (2018) |
Tytus Howard Family
Family Background and Hometown
Tytus Howard hails from Monroeville, Alabama, where he attended Monroe County High School before embarking on his collegiate career at Alabama State University. His roots in Monroe County represent the foundation of his football journey, with the small-town community providing the environment for his early athletic development. Howard’s path from Monroe County to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick has made him a notable figure in his hometown’s sports history.
Personal Life
Howard maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. Beyond his athletic career, he has become a role figure for young football players from similar backgrounds who aspire to reach the professional ranks. His success has contributed to the visibility of Alabama State University football program and provided inspiration for future generations of players from HBCU programs.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Howard enters his seventh season with the Houston Texans organization. His career has been characterized by consistency when available, with 93 consecutive starts demonstrating his reliability. The 2025 campaign presents an opportunity for Howard to build upon his established foundation with the team and continue contributing to the Texans’ offensive line unit.
Howard’s performance outlook for 2025 benefits from his experience accumulated through multiple seasons in the NFL. His contract extension through 2026 indicates the organization’s continued investment in his abilities. The offensive tackle position remains critical to the Texans’ success, and Howard’s presence provides stability at a key position on the line.
The partnership between Howard and the Texans entering 2025 reflects a mutual commitment developed over several seasons. While injuries have interrupted portions of his career, his ability to return and perform at a high level demonstrates his resilience and work ethic. The 2025 season offers Howard the chance to showcase his continued development and contribute to the team’s offensive schemes.