Texans RB Dameon Pierce claiming his spot in run-heavy AFC South

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett once said, “To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.”

It is anyone’s guess as to whether Houston Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce knows that quote or not, but one can imagine that he is constantly motivated by the fact that he lasted so long in the 2022 NFL draft, being selected in the fourth round by the Texans.

With the Texans on a bye week before they head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders, the shining light for the organization this season has been the play of Pierce. The former Florida rusher is ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing with 412 yards. Those yards are also good enough to have him ranked first amongst the rookies and in the running-back-dominant AFC South.

Houston’s run game desperately needed Pierce’s production in the backfield, as running back Rex Burkhead finished the 2021 season as the Texans leading rusher with 427 yards, which is just 15 more than what Pierce has through five games.

General manager Nick Caserio loves the attitude and work ethic Pierce brings to the team and points it out to the media during his press conference on Tuesday.

“Monday is the off day for players, and yesterday, he’s in squatting 425,” said Caserio. “People wonder why is he successful on the field. Well, he’s successful because he works hard, he’s got the right attitude, he’s a good teammate, he trusts the people around him, he gives credit to his teammates, the offensive line, to the tight ends, doesn’t make it about himself. I think more players with that attitude, more players with that mindset collectively in this building and in this program.”

Pierce was a vital part of Houston getting their first victory of the season over the Jacksonville Jaguars by rushing for 99 yards and one touchdown. His menacing 20-yard run through the Jags’ defense late in the fourth quarter, where he broke through at least six tackles before finally being stopped two yards short of reaching the end zone.

“We watched it a few times,” said coach Lovie Smith about Pierce’s run. “How can you not if you’re a football fan, to just see one word, finish late in the game. I’m always excited too. Playing his college ball, 70 miles from there, seems like most of his hometown was there watching him play. So, for him to perform that way the first time he comes back to his home state is pretty neat.”