Tommy Townsend has the same way with words as he does with punts.
Even in the preseason, the newest special teams star for the Houston Texans is looking for competition and he’s not afraid to clap back at opponents.
During the second quarter of Houston’s 20-12 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Townsend was caught on a hot mic delivering an NSFW taunt toward return man Quez Watkins following a fumble. The Steelers punt returned muffed the ball, seeing it land back in the hands of Texans’ defensive back Brandon Hill.
The Texans have been talking trash all pre-season. Apparently it’s rubbed off on new punter, Tommy Townsend
pic.twitter.com/WyOcDnptlK
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) August 10, 2024
Instead of leaving the field, Townsend came running over to say his peace before watching Houston score a 4-yard touchdown on the following drive.
In an offseason filled with top-level players joining Houston, Townsend’s arrival became lost in the fold. It’s easy to forget the value of a punter when a franchise adds linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry, running back Joe Mixon, All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs and All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter within days.
But special teams are special. More specifically, they could determine a team’s status as a pretender or contender in the AFC. Last season, Townsend was punting his way to a second Super Bowl ring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City has been the standard of special teams under longtime coordinator Dave Toub. That’s the hope for Frank Ross as he enters his fourth season as the Texans’ special teams coach and non-titled hype man.
Houston, who returns home after starting 1-1 in the preseason, opens its home preseason with a matchup against the New York Giants. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is slated for noon CT on Saturday.