Rookie running back Jawhar Jordan making ‘smooth’ transition to Texans offense that ‘definitely fits me’

HOUSTON – Since the moment the Texans drafted him, rookie running back Jawhar Jordan has been soaking up as much knowledge as he can as quickly as possible.

Having played at Louisville in an offense with similar concepts, Jordan has been making a fast transition to the NFL after being selected in the sixth round.

Mentored by assistant head coach and running backs coach Danny Barrett and veteran running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, Jordan is gaining a comfort zone with everything about being a professional football player.

“It’s been a blessing. honestly the transition has been very well,” Jordan told KPRC 2 during an NFL Play 60 even this summer. “As far as the offense. we ran a similar offense at Louisville, so as far as that it’s been smooth. I think the biggest thing is being here, being present, being where I’m at and realizing I’m with these guys now.

“I’m a pro as well and I look up to Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, a lot of these guys. At the end of the day, I’m here and I’m trying to get to where they’re at.”

Signed to a four-year, $4.185 million contract that includes a $165,436 signing bonus, Jordan was selected 205th overall after rushing for 1,128 yards last year and leading the ACC with 13 touchdowns.

The parallels between the Louisville offense and the Texans’ offense engineered by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik have allowed Jordan to get up to speed quickly.

“Oh yeah, definitely,” Jordan said. “The outside zone scheme, they throw the running back the ball. Just getting out and being versatile out of the backfield, lining up out wide and the zone scheme, it definitely fits me and I’m able to advertise what I can do.”

A Syracuse transfer, Jordan is a smaller, elusive back at 5-foot-9, 193 pounds. has run the 40-yard dash at a listed 4.5 seconds, but he wasn’t fully healthy and is actually much faster.

“4.3,” Jordan said of his speed. “It’s like I don’t really got to talk too much about it with people. I’m all about knowing what I can do and showing what I can do. People think that I’m slow or think that I’m fast, that’s their opinion. I use my actions to speak for myself.”

In 2022, Jordan rushed for 815 yards and four touchdowns. He had 134-yard rushing game against Boston College and had a 75-yard touchdown catch and a 40-yard kickoff return.

“We really like the juice that he has out of the backfield,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Think he can make plays with tremendous speed. We’re looking to add some speed to our back field. We think he provides that for us.

“He also provides some special teams value, as well, as a returner. Really excited about the role that he’s shown that he was able to do at Louisville, and excited about seeing him come in and compete here.”

Playing for such an experienced position coach in Barrett has been a huge benefit for Jordan so far.

“Man, coach DB is a real genuine guy,” Jordan said. “He’s someone who’s going to teach you things on and off the field. He’s already taught me so much as far as being a man and how to move around in the city of Houston. He definitely has taught me a lot.”

Jordan was named the MVP of the 2022 Fenway Bowl, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Cincinnati.

He had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the 2021 First Responder Bowl.

“I think my game is versatile,” Jordan said. “I’m a strong runner. I see the holes well. I’ve got speed, too, and a little bit of wiggle. Once I get the ball in my hand, I’m a threat.”

At the Play 60 event led by former Texans defensive tackle and first-round draft pick Amobi Okoye, Jordan was joined by fellow rookie running back Boston Brooks in teaching the game and life lessons to a group of youth athletes.

“Just educate them and show them what it takes to get to where I am,” Jordan said. “It’s cool to see these kids get out here and be active.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.