Texans' defensive coordinator reveals Will Anderson Jr.'s unparalleled passion and pregame emotions fuel his elite performance and leadership.
The Houston Texans have the highest paid edge rusher in the National Football League on their roster. The Texans are happy about it.
Houston recently signed star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. to a three year, $150-million contract to lead the defense again in 2026. His defensive coordinator is happy about the signing.
The Texans' defensive coordinator Matt Burke, who owes much of his head coaching candidate buzz to the contributions of Anderson, discussed what the pro bowl talent brings to the Houston defense. Burke shared his thoughts on what Anderson will bring to the team moving forward.
"(Anderson) pours everything he has into the game. It's there for everybody to see. He's not ashamed by it, he's not embarrassed by it, it's probably another thing that makes him great.
I love the fact that he just plays with pure emotion. Joy, thankfulness and sometimes tears of joy pregame. I know if I look back and he's having one of those moments during the anthem, I'm like, 'ah, this is going to be a good one for sure.'
To work the way those guys work-I've seen J.J. (Watt) doing it first hand, I see Will do it firsthand- the way that those guys work, and what they put their bodies through, it's not easy to do. And the great ones thrive doing that and thrive in those environments."
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke in a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesThe Texans edge rusher is among the league's best despite finishing eighth in the league in sacks last season. Through three NFL seasons, Anderson has amassed 30 sacks. He added 34 sacks in college for the Alabama Crimson Tide in his three years of college football.
Whether or not Anderson is worth the contract really depends on who you ask, but the Texans' defensive coordinator seems to think he's more than worth the contract. While the price was expensive, there's no doubt Anderson was worthy of a contract extension. The edge rusher earned it with his hard work and production.
The outpouring of support from Anderson's teammates is a strong indication of his worthiness of the contract. Several members of the Texans organization are thrilled to see Anderson attain a lucrative second contract. With it, now the team is set to have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL for the next few seasons.
Anderson, Burke and the Texans defense will look to finish first in the NFL in defense again in 2026.