The Houston Texans are a young and dynamic team, though they have yet to get past the hurdles of the playoffs to reach the big game. It's not for lack of trying, especially in terms of the fantastic players on the roster.
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One such player is star defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who came out swinging in 2023 when he was drafted. Anderson landed a Defensive Rookie of the Year nod, along with being named to the Pro Bowl.
Now, he looks ahead to the 2025 season, ready to help the Texans reach new heights.
Anderson spoke to Newsweek Sports in an exclusive interview to discuss his new partnership with USAA and the Houston community, what he learned from 2024, and what it means to be an "unc" ready to mentor the new draft class in 2025.
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Talk about your new partnership with USAA.
"As summer approaches, more and more people are on the road. There is a significant increase in car accidents and fatalities between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Nationally recognized as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. To spread awareness of on the road safety and preventing car accidents, I teamed up with USAA, official Salute to Service partner of the NFL and the Houston Fire Department to tackle this important cause in our community."
Anderson partnered with USAA to bring awareness to safe driving this summer, and he demonstrated using the jaws of life with the Houston Fire Department. All the information about safe driving can be found here, USAA.com/DriveSafe.
Anderson consistently uplifts the Houston community, and last year, he worked on hurricane preparedness. Now, he is promoting safe driving. He spoke about how important uplifting the community is.
What does it mean to you to constantly elevate the Houston community?
"It means a lot to me. It's a blessing, of course. Just using my platform to be a positive influence in the community and to help it in any way that I can. I've been blessed enough to partner with USAA to be able to keep bringing awareness and to keep helping people in all communities."
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Anderson is heading into his third pro year. He spoke about the lessons he learned in 2024, and what he can take into this upcoming Texans season.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, what are your biggest goals, and what did you learn from the 2024 season?
"Going into 2025, just being my healthiest. Just being the complete authentic Will Anderson and being the best that I can be. Staying true to who I am, and just learning throughout the 2024 season. Just keep persevering, keeping God first. And, you know, just keep enjoying my process of being, you know, being consistent in what I have to do to be creative."
Anderson missed multiple games due to an ankle injury in 2024, but it sounds like he is healthy and ready to go for 2025. Interestingly, he upped his sack count to 11 in 2024, but was not named to the Pro Bowl.
In 2023, you shined as a rookie, securing seven sacks en route to a Pro Bowl nod and a Defensive Rookie of the Year nod. In 2024, you got double-digit sacks but left off the Pro Bowl. Does that give you a chip on your shoulder in 2025?
"We all have goals we want to accomplish, and of course, that is a goal of mine. But for me, it's more about going out there and focusing week in and week out on my opponent. The results are going to take care of themselves by going out there and playing and being the best that I can be.
The Texans have been a fringe Super Bowl contender the last two seasons, but they continue to lose in the Divisional Round. Anderson spoke now what the team needs to do to get to that next level.
The Texans have been eliminated in the Divisional Round in the last two seasons. What is it going to take for the team to get past that hump in 2025?
"It's just gonna take everybody being detailed on their craft, being detailed in on their job. Just locking in and remaining focused, especially in those big moments when it comes down to games like that. It always comes down to the end of those games and how much you can be mentally and physically locked into your job to the best of your ability. I think that's whats going to help us get over that hump."
Though Anderson is still in the early years of his career, he is now an even bigger mentor, especially with the second draft class coming in since he was drafted. He detailed how he can be a mentor and how he has reached "unc status."
What's it like to welcome in a second draft class since you joined the Texans? Do you feel like an "unc" now?
"Oh my goodness, that is crazy. This is my second draft class. I have officially reached "unc" stage. I'm sad cause I thought I was gonna be the youngest guy in the room again. It's great, man, to be able to pour into those young guys to try and help them out the best that I can to help them enjoy their process. It's gonna be exciting and I can't wait.
Finally, given that the state of Texas can enjoy the fact that the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA Draft Lottery, Anderson makes a bold prediction on the 2026 season.
What are your thoughts on the Mavericks winning the NBA Draft Lottery?
"On May 13th, we just witnessed the Dallas Mavericks officially winning the championship in 2026.
Anderson also confidently predicted the Mavericks will use the top pick on Cooper Flagg.
Who do you think they'll [Mavericks] draft?
"Oh, Cooper Flagg, of course."
For more on the Texans, head to Newsweek Sports.
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This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 3:24 PM.