Tytus Howard Bio
Tytus Howard is an American professional football offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 23, 1996, in Monroeville, Alabama, Howard rose from a small-town high school program to become a first-round NFL draft pick, the first player ever selected in the opening round from Alabama State University. He spent the bulk of his career with the Houston Texans before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in March 2026.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and listed at 322 pounds, Howard has played offensive tackle throughout his professional career, earning recognition for his durability and his ability to protect the quarterback. He has been named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and won the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award, marking him as one of the most decorated players to come through the Alabama State program.
Early Life and Background
Tytus Howard was born on May 23, 1996, in Monroeville, Alabama, a small city in Monroe County in the southwestern part of the state. He grew up in the community and attended Monroe County High School, where he first developed as a football player. Monroeville is known as the hometown of writers Truman Capote and Harper Lee, and Howard became one of the most accomplished athletes to emerge from the area.
At Monroe County High School, Howard played on the offensive line and quickly drew attention for his size and athleticism. Although he was not heavily recruited out of high school, his performance at the prep level helped him secure an opportunity to play college football at the next level.
Path to American Football
Howard committed to Alabama State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He joined the Alabama State Hornets and developed into one of the top offensive linemen in the conference, eventually earning first-team All-SWAC honors in 2018.
His play at Alabama State drew the attention of NFL scouts, and he entered the 2019 NFL draft as a projected early-round prospect. Howard’s combination of height, length, and footwork made him an appealing target for teams in need of offensive line help, and his journey from a small Alabama high school to a probable first-round selection became one of the draft season’s most discussed stories.
Tytus Howard Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Howard was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft, going 23rd overall and becoming the first Alabama State player ever taken in the opening round of an NFL draft. As a rookie, he started eight games, seven at right tackle and one at left guard, showing the positional flexibility that has defined his career. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in recognition of his strong debut season.
In 2020, Howard started the first 14 games at right tackle before being placed on injured reserve on December 23, 2020, ending his second professional season early. Despite the injury, he had established himself as a reliable starter and a foundational piece of the Texans’ offensive line.
Houston Texans Era (2019–2025)
Howard remained a starter for the Texans through his early career, and the team picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract on May 2, 2022. He continued to anchor the right tackle position and was recognized in 2023 with the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award, an honor given to the top professional football player from an HBCU.
On July 26, 2023, Howard and the Texans agreed to a three-year, $56 million contract extension, a significant commitment that reflected his importance to the franchise. His 2023 season, however, was interrupted by injuries. He was placed on injured reserve on September 6, 2023, after suffering a broken hand in practice, was activated on October 7, and then returned to injured reserve on November 29 after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 12.
Howard continued to start for the Texans in subsequent seasons, appearing in 93 games and starting 93 games across his time in Houston through the 2025 season. His steady presence on the offensive line made him one of the longest-tenured Texans of his era.
Cleveland Browns Era (2026–Present)
On March 11, 2026, Howard was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick, No. 141 overall, used to select Kamari Ramsey. Following the trade, Howard agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract extension with Cleveland that runs through the 2029 season, marking a major new chapter in his career.
The trade and extension signaled the Browns’ commitment to upgrading their offensive line and gave Howard a fresh start on a contending roster. As of the 2026 season, Howard is listed as No. 71 on the Cleveland Browns’ active roster and is expected to play a central role on the offensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
Howard is regarded for his combination of size, length, and athleticism at the offensive tackle position. His ability to play both right tackle and left guard has made him a versatile piece for coaching staffs, and his durability, when healthy, has allowed him to remain on the field consistently.
Notable Events and Milestones
Howard’s most significant milestones include being the first Alabama State player selected in the first round of the NFL draft, his 2019 PFWA All-Rookie Team selection, and his 2023 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award. His $56 million extension with the Texans in 2023 and his subsequent $63 million extension with the Browns in 2026 further underline his value across two organizations.
Tytus Howard Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Tytus Howard has accumulated steady production rather than headline statistical totals, a typical profile for an offensive lineman. Through the 2025 season, he had appeared in 93 games and made 93 starts, a perfect attendance record that speaks to his reliability when healthy.
Houston Texans Highlights
Howard’s top highlight with the Texans came in his rookie season of 2019, when he started eight games and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He later earned first-team All-SWAC recognition during his final college season in 2018 and added the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award in 2023, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished Alabama State alumni in the NFL.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his league and conference honors, Howard secured a major financial win in 2023 with a three-year, $56 million extension from Houston, followed by a three-year, $63 million extension with Cleveland in 2026, together totaling nine additional contracted years at the game’s highest-paid tackle tier.
| Team | Years | Games | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | 2019–2025 | 93 | 93 |
| Cleveland Browns | 2026–present | — | — |
Tytus Howard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Howard grew up in Monroeville, Alabama, and attended Monroe County High School, where he developed into a top football prospect. He continued his football career at Alabama State University, the program that produced his path to the NFL.
Personal Life
Howard’s public profile centers on his football career, with limited confirmed details about his personal or family life beyond his roots in Monroeville, Alabama.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Howard continued as a starting offensive tackle for the Houston Texans, finishing his Texans tenure having played and started 93 games across the 2019–2025 seasons. His consistency at right tackle remained a steady part of the team’s offensive line identity throughout the year.
The 2025 campaign ultimately set the stage for Howard’s trade to the Cleveland Browns in March 2026, a move that rewarded his durability with a fresh start and a lucrative new contract. His dependable presence in pass protection and the running game continued to define his value on the field.
Looking ahead, Howard is expected to play a leading role on the Cleveland Browns’ offensive line in 2026 and beyond, with three additional years on his contract running through the 2029 season.
