Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's unexpected impact on NFL lineman Wyatt Teller's game boosts the Texans' offensive line, promising greater flexibility and toughness.
NFL players have a diverse way of training for their sport. We have seen plenty of diverse training methods, but one player in particular has benefited greatly from training in a skill set that is not directly linked to football.
Former Cleveland Browns player and now Houston Texans offensive lineman Wyatt Teller is a huge impact player because of what he brings on the field. However, his skill set is due in some way to training through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Eddie Maisonet of the Houston Chronicle discussed what Teller's experience brings to the Houston offense.
"The Texans knew that their offensive line needed a lot of work after a 2025 season in which the team struggled in both the run and pass games, finishing 30th in pass block win rate (55.5%) and 32nd in run block win rate (68.4%).
Teller, a two-time All-Pro in 2020 and 2021 with the Cleveland Browns, will enter his ninth season in the NFL when he suits up for the Texans. However, his focus is fully on evolving his game, which includes learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under a former Browns assistant coach, Scott Peters.
Teller's ever-evolving skillset will come in handy on a Texans' offensive line unit that craves flexibility. Teller, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills and played as a backup left guard, was eventually traded to Cleveland and earned the starting gig at right guard. That ability to play either guard position will help as injuries and strategy impact things throughout the season."
Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) celebrates with defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) after beating the Green Bay Packers. Jeff Lange-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesObviously, there are different ways in which Jiu-Jitsu could translate to football from physical and mental toughness to strength, balance and leverage. But the discipline also teaches resilience: something the current Texans squad values and its fanbase can be encouraged by heading into a pivotal offseason.
Houston fans know all about resilience. The city has yet to see its NFL franchise hoist a trophy in its existence. In fact, the Texans have yet to reach a conference title game since starting as a team in the early 2000s. Patient as they would like to be, Houston fans don't want to have to wait much longer to see their franchise enjoy success. Teller speeds up that process.
The Texans entered the offseason with a need to fill vacated offensive line spots with impact players. Of all their offseason signings, Teller might be the most impactful of the linemen.
Teller and the Texans will look to make a statement with a postseason run in 2026.