CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals lines up for a play in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
LSU’s Tashawn Bower Has Been a Game Changer for Houston
The story of Tashawn Bower is one of perseverance, grit, and the quiet determination to seize opportunity when it finally knocks. After years of battling to find his footing in the NFL, the former LSU Tiger has emerged as a disruptive force for the Houston Texans—a player who has reshaped their defensive identity in 2025 and become an unexpected catalyst for their rise in the AFC.
With a relentless motor, a nose for the ball, and a championship pedigree forged in Baton Rouge, Bower has gone from journeyman to game-changer in a Texans uniform. And for a Houston defense looking to make a leap from promising to elite, his arrival has been nothing short of transformational.
The Road from Baton Rouge to the NFL
Tashawn Bower’s football journey began with promise at LSU, where he was a highly touted four-star recruit out of New Jersey. A long, athletic defensive end with tremendous upside, Bower committed to the Tigers over a slew of powerhouse programs. Under Les Miles and later Ed Orgeron, Bower played a rotational role on stacked LSU defenses that included future NFL stars like Danielle Hunter, Jamal Adams, and Devin White.
Though Bower never posted gaudy collegiate stats, his 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame and explosive first step turned heads among scouts. He saved his best for last, recording a standout performance in LSU’s Citrus Bowl victory over Louisville in 2016, where he notched 3.5 sacks and 5 tackles. It was a glimpse of what he could become.
Despite that late surge, Bower went undrafted in 2017—an oversight that lit a fire under him. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent, where he impressed during training camp and earned a roster spot. But his journey through the NFL would be anything but linear.
A Journeyman Story with a Twist
Bower bounced between teams for several years—Vikings, Patriots, Raiders, and others—often shuffling between practice squads and the active roster. He battled through injuries, scheme changes, and the constant uncertainty that shadows undrafted players in the league.
Yet through it all, Bower never lost focus. Coaches praised his professionalism and work ethic. He became known as a “glue guy”—someone who brought energy to every practice and did the little things right. His persistence paid off.
In 2023, Bower landed a deal with the Houston Texans, a team in transition but loaded with young talent. Under the direction of head coach DeMeco Ryans—a former All-Pro linebacker turned defensive guru—Bower found a scheme and a culture that fit.
Breakout in 2024 and a Star Turn in 2025
While Bower began his Texans tenure as a depth piece, he quickly worked his way into the rotation. In 2024, he posted career highs in tackles (39), sacks (5.5), and tackles for loss (9), earning praise for his versatility and edge-setting ability. But it’s been the 2025 season where he’s truly arrived.
Through the first 10 games of the 2025 campaign, Bower has notched 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 10 tackles for loss. He’s become a cornerstone of a Texans front seven that ranks in the top five league-wide in total defense and sacks.
“Tashawn’s impact goes beyond stats,” said Ryans after Houston’s Week 7 win over Jacksonville. “He brings energy, intelligence, and toughness. He’s exactly the type of player we want representing this defense.”
Why He Fits in Houston
Bower’s resurgence isn’t just about playing time—it’s about fit. Houston’s attacking 4-3 scheme under Ryans emphasizes gap discipline, speed off the edge, and versatility. Bower, with his blend of length and athleticism, thrives in that environment.
He lines up primarily at defensive end but has the ability to kick inside on passing downs. His hand usage, once considered a weakness, has improved significantly, allowing him to disengage from blockers and finish plays in the backfield. What’s more, his awareness and football IQ—developed over years of studying film and absorbing schemes—allow him to anticipate rather than react.
“He’s got that sixth sense now,” said Texans defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire. “You can see him diagnose plays before they happen. That only comes with reps and maturity.”
Veteran Presence for a Young Core
Perhaps just as valuable as his on-field production is Bower’s leadership. The Texans boast one of the NFL’s most exciting young rosters, with players like Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr. (another LSU alum), and Christian Harris forming the nucleus of a rising defense. Bower has become a mentor to many of them.
“Bower’s been through it all,” Anderson said. “He’s always in our ear—showing us how to watch film, how to prepare our bodies. He’s like a big brother in the locker room.”
For Ryans, Bower is the kind of player who helps build culture. His attention to detail, team-first mindset, and resilience are traits the Texans want to instill in their younger stars.
“He leads by example,” Ryans said. “He’s the kind of guy you trust in big moments because he’s earned it.”
From LSU to the NFL: The Tiger Brotherhood
Bower’s connection to LSU runs deep. He often credits his time in Baton Rouge for preparing him for the grind of professional football. The SEC taught him physicality. LSU’s hyper-competitive practices taught him accountability. And the Tiger Brotherhood—a close-knit community of former LSU players in the NFL—has been a source of support throughout his journey.
“It’s family,” Bower said in a recent interview. “Whether it’s texting with guys like Jamal [Adams] or catching up with Tre’Davious [White], there’s a bond. We’ve all been through the same fire.”
The Texans currently feature multiple former Tigers on their roster, including Derek Stingley Jr. and offensive lineman Austin Deculus, another LSU product. That shared background has helped foster chemistry and mutual respect.
“Baton Rouge built us,” Stingley said. “And now we’re bringing that mindset to Houston.”
Bower’s Impact in the Community
While Bower has been a difference-maker on the field, his influence also extends into the community. In 2025, he launched the “Grind Forward Foundation,” a nonprofit focused on providing mentorship and resources to at-risk youth in both New Jersey and Houston.
Through football camps, after-school programs, and financial literacy workshops, Bower is using his platform to uplift the next generation.
“I know what it’s like to feel overlooked,” Bower said. “If I can be the reason a kid doesn’t give up on themselves, it’s worth it.”
Texans ownership and the NFL have taken notice. Bower was recently nominated for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, recognizing excellence on and off the field.
What’s Next for Bower and the Texans
With the Texans sitting at 7–3 and in the hunt for the AFC South title, expectations are rising in Houston. Led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud and a swarming defense, the Texans are poised to make their first deep playoff run in years.
Bower, now an every-down player and team captain, will be central to that push.
“He’s playing the best football of his life,” said CBS analyst Charles Davis. “He’s gone from a role player to a foundational piece. That doesn’t happen without tremendous work and belief.”
The Texans have road tests coming up against the Bengals, Browns, and Colts—games that will define their postseason path. And Bower’s performance in those contests could shape the narrative of his career.
A Late-Blooming Star, Right on Time
Some NFL stars burst onto the scene right away. Others take the long road. For Tashawn Bower, it was the latter. But the destination—playing dominant football for a playoff contender—makes every detour worth it.
At 30 years old, Bower is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He’s become a household name in Houston, a fan favorite, and a leader in the locker room.
“It’s been a journey,” Bower said. “But I never stopped believing. And now I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
Tashawn Bower’s ascent is a testament to resilience. In a league that often discards players who don’t break out early, he’s rewritten the script through perseverance, adaptability, and hard work. Now, as the Texans chase postseason glory, Bower isn’t just along for the ride—he’s leading the charge.
For LSU fans, it’s another example of a Tiger thriving at the highest level. For Houston, it’s proof that sometimes, the best game changers are the ones who’ve fought hardest just to get the chance.
And for Bower himself, it’s a reminder that the journey is far from over.
“I feel like I’m just getting started,” he said, smiling. “The best is still ahead.”
