RB Mark Ingram signed with Texans because he knew ‘there was potential’
Why would a three-time Pro Bowl running back, a former Heisman Trophy winner, and the son of a Super Bowl champion want to sign with a team that would be undergoing a rebuild in 2021?
According to running back Mark Ingram, that is not how he viewed the Houston Texans when he decided to ink an agreement to play for the team in March.
“They wanted me,” Ingram said. “They had interest in me, and I know some of the players that have been on this team. I know they were two years removed from being in the AFC Championship, up on the [Kansas City] Chiefs. I know there was potential.”
The potential the Texans may have had was readily lost on fans and the media after the situation with quarterback Deshaun Watson unraveled, whether it was his trade request or his involvement in a lawsuit wherein 22 women allege sexual assault. This was after the club traded three-time All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins in the 2020 offseason and fizzled to 4-12 that regular season.
Ingram sees a potential on the Texans that only a player at ground level can appreciate.
“There have been some struggles and tough times, but I know there is good people in the organization, good people on the team,” said Ingram. “I know (Brandin) Cooks. Just being able to come here, being able to have the opportunity to play this game that I love; to have the opportunity to be able run the ball, be able to have the opportunity to put my best foot forward to help a team win games.
“So, that’s what I saw. They were interested in me. I was interested in being here. It just worked like that.”
Ingram will have another chance to help the Texans meet their potential Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time when they take on the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
