HOUSTON – The Texans are signing veteran corner and former All-Pro selection Desmond King to their practice squad, per a league source.
King was released during roster cuts in August, and now he’s back.
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King contributed to the Texans after rejoining them last season after being cut and playing briefly for the Pittsburgh Steelers and contributing 47 tackles, one sack and two passes defensed in seven games for the AFC South champions, King signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract this offseason. Signing on for his fourth season in Houston, the 29-year-old Detroit native and former Iowa standout is confident in a team brimming with high expectations.
“I wouldn’t say that’s the only reason I’m back,” King told KPRC 2 during his sixth annual football camp this summer at Iowa Colony High School. “I’m going on my fourth year in Houston. I’ve done seen the evolution of the team and the organization just being here for those first couple of years and seeing where it’s at now, knowing my capability and what I can bring to the team, why not be here with Houston? We’re an up-and-coming team and we’re here to stay. We’re just getting ready for the season and I’m here.
Playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Texans and Steelers, King has recorded 473 career tackles, nine interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, 35 passes defensed and 9 1/2 sacks with 2,413 return yards and five total touchdowns.
As the former Hawkeyes first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection and All-American who won the Jim Thorpe award as the nation’s top defensive back as a junior when he intercepted eight passes, King knows well that the projections surrounding the Texans aren’t tangible items. Every season starts from scratch no matter how talented the roster that’s been built by general manager Nick Caserio and Ryans.
“Just honestly, it’s all about staying focused on the goal,” King said. “We know what kind of team we have. That said, you see it every day in the locker room. It’s what we do when we go out there on that field. Yeah, we have the noise. We have the hype behind us, but that’s not out there on that practice field when we’re out there working.
“That’s what it’s about. We’re out there putting blood, sweat and tears in every day. We know what we have and we’ve got to believe in what we have, and that’s what really matters.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
