HOUSTON – Contracts are largely built around money, obviously.
There’s also a human element surrounding the investment of a company in an individual and a confidence that the decision rewards current and future performance.
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In the case of Texans defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, the defending AFC South champions are banking on his upside, work ethic and youth.
At age 25, Togiai is the youngest defensive tackle on the active roster. The Texans signed him to a one-year, $3.3 million contract extension this week that locks him in through the 2026 season one year after a previous in-season deal. It’s a significant moment for Togiai, a former Cleveland Browns fourth-round draft pick from Ohio State.
“Just relieving, honestly,” Togiai told KPRC 2. “Very excited, obviously, that they trust me with that and everything, so I’m very grateful for this organization and for God most importantly.
“It’s an honor. I don’t take that for granted. I’m gonna come in each and every day and prove that, you know, I’m worth that investment. So I’m taking day by day and prove it each day.”
Togiai got promoted from the Texans’ practice squad last season and had a sack against the Tennessee Titans.
Togiai played in eight games, recording 28 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and two tackles for losses last season.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans calls Togiai ‘Mr. Consistent.’
“Tommy hasn’t exceeded expectations, Tommy expects high things from himself,” Ryans said. “I don’t think there is a harder worker on our team than Tommy. I can vividly remember coming in the building in February after the playoffs and the first player I see in our weight room is Tommy. He’s in there working out, squatting, grinding already. It’s not a surprise to us what Tommy has done because in the background he’s always working. As consistent as ever.
“That’s what it takes to be a pro. Guys who make it in this league, guys who play for a long time, they’re consistent. You can count on them. That’s why he made our team. So, I’m very proud of Tommy and very happy for him because he’s a guy who definitely deserved to make our team. He made play after play throughout training camp. I know Tommy can help us win games.”
Togiai is one of the stronger defensive linemen on the roster. He ran a 4.98 in the 40-yard dash and had a 32-inch vertical leap at his campus Pro Day.
When Togiai was auditioning for the NFL at Ohio State. he was disappointed to only bench press 225 pounds 40 times. It’s an impressive feat, obviously, but he had been hitting 45 reps during his training sessions. He has squatted 700 pounds in the Texans’ weight room.
“I think my strength comes from that I was training early on,” said Togiai, a former Idaho High School Player of the Year. “My dad was big on raising us kids in the gym. I think that is where it started from.”
True to his nature, Togiai had an understated reaction to the good news.
He and his wife hung out after he signed the deal, but there was no big celebration.
“Not too big on the celebration thing, just kind of still in-season,” Togiai said. “So, I’m just locked in, doing everything I can for this team, and just taking it day by day.
“Just very grateful for them that they trust me and just take it day by day and prove my worth each and every day.”
Togiai had one sack in the preseason.
“Tommy is one of the hardest-working players in our building,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Probably one of the most consistent players from the start of the offseason program until now. He started training in February. He’s one of the strongest guys on the team. Tommy was a good football player at Ohio State.
“Had some injuries, shortchanged him there a bit. But Tommy is an NFL football player. He’s got the right mindset. He’s got the right attitude. He works his tail off. He goes out there and makes plays. He’s been really good to work with. He’s taken advantage of the opportunities when they’ve been provided. We’re glad he’s here.”
Togiai is an example of the outstanding depth on a defensive line headlined by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
“We call the defensive line the engine,” Togiai said. “The engine of the team, not just the defense but the team. In that room we have a great group of guys.
“We feed off each other. Someone makes a play, we feed off of that energy. It makes me want to go make a play myself. I think that is a great room to have.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com