HOUSTON – When Texans international defensive tackle Haggai Ndubuisi sacked Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Rypien in the fourth quarter of a preseason game, he didn’t celebrate for long.
Ndubuisi hustled back to the huddle for the next play, finishing the game with two tackles, one for a loss.
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That approach speaks to the serious mindset of the 6-foot-7, 320-pound native of Lagos, Nigeria. Signed by the Texans after Kyonte Hamilton broke his ankle, Ndubuisi, 24, is determined to keep improving after previous stints with the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.
In the NFL under its International Player Pathway program, Ndubuisi keeps making strides and displaying potential.
“I just want to be grateful for the opportunity, and it’s a gradual process and we have a lot to work on,” Ndubuisi told KPRC 2. “A lot of things to plan and I’m just grateful that I got the opportunity to get a sack, so I’ll just keep working.”
Ndubuisi had five tackles, two quarterback hurries and one sack last year during the preseason with the Commanders. He has also played for the San Antonio Brahmas in the United Football League.
“I love being here,” Ndubuisi said. “There’s a family here and I like the product, so it’s a good place to be.”
A former offensive tackle, Ndubuisi grew up playing soccer and basketball. He learned about football by watching YouTube videos and practiced the drills with friends and family.
“It’s pretty tough being an international player because there’s a lot to learn and so many formations all at once, but with the right coaching and the right system and being coachable, everything comes to play,” Ndubuisi said. “There’s a lot of opportunity to better yourself, to develop self-development and awareness in terms of football-wise and outside-wise, culture and everything, so there’s so many things to learn.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com