Texans Take Center Court: Tommy Togiai, Woody Marks Embrace Houston Spotlight Beyond Football

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The Houston Texans have spent this offseason reshaping their roster and identity—but this week, two players stepped into a different kind of spotlight.

FA TRACKER

Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai and second-year running back Woody Marks each had the opportunity to represent the organization in a unique way, taking part in the ceremonial opening free throw at recent Houston Rockets home games.

It’s a small moment on the surface—but one that reflects something bigger: connection to the city, visibility in the community, and the personality behind the helmet.

Even if both appearances came in tough losses to the Lakers, the moments themselves still mattered.

A Moment Bigger Than Football

For Togiai, Monday’s appearance came as he continues putting in work this offseason—something he emphasized in recent interviews shared by local media.

The message is consistent: development, preparation, and earning a role.

That’s especially important on a defensive front where the Texans are looking to build depth and rotation pieces behind their core stars. Togiai’s mindset fits what DeMeco Ryans has prioritized—physical, reliable contributors who continue to grow within the system.

Woody Marks: Growth On the Field, Impact Off It

Two days later, Marks took his turn on the court—and brought even more insight into where he is as a player entering year two.

In clips shared by reporters Brandon K. Scott and Big Sarge, Marks was clear about what he’s focused on improving:

trusting his speed at the second level and making defenders miss.

That’s a key detail.

It’s not about learning the system anymore—it’s about maximizing what he already does well. For a back like Marks, that next step often comes down to confidence and decisiveness once he breaks through the line of scrimmage.

And he’s already seeing reasons for optimism around him.

Marks also mentioned he likes the direction of the Texans’ offensive line this offseason—specifically pointing to the addition of guard Wyatt Teller.

That’s notable.

Houston’s offensive line has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, and hearing a running back speak positively about those changes reinforces the expectation that the run game could take a step forward.

Taking Initiative in the Community

Marks’ impact isn’t stopping with football.

He’s already putting plans into action off the field, announcing his first annual charity bowling tournament this May in Houston.

It’s something that’s deeply personal to him.

Marks grew up around bowling alleys, spending time there regularly as a kid and developing a real passion for the game. Now, he’s using that same passion as a way to give back.

“Put smiles on people’s faces.”

That’s the goal of the event—and it aligns with the culture the Texans are building.

Players who are present. Players who engage. Players who give back.

A Growing Presence in Houston

Marks also shared that he connected with running back David Montgomery shortly after the trade became official, calling him a “great addition.”

That speaks to the chemistry forming within the running back room and the collaborative mindset the Texans are fostering.

Meanwhile, moments like these—whether it’s a free throw at a Rockets game or a charity event—continue to build the relationship between players and the city.

The Bigger Picture

These aren’t headline-grabbing football moments.

But they matter.

They show who these players are becoming—both within the Texans organization and within the Houston community.

For Togiai, it’s about continuing to develop and be a mainstay of the defense.

For Marks, it’s about taking the next step as a player while already making an impact off the field.

And for the Texans, it’s another sign that what they’re building goes beyond Sundays.