This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline
Jonathan Greenard likely didn’t need any extra motivation to play against his former team Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Houston Texans gave him a bit more juice on the opening play.
Greenard, who finished with three sacks in the Minnesota Vikings 34-7 win over the Texans, took on rookie tight end Cade Stover for a one-on-one matchup. C.J. Stroud connected for a 17-yard pickup, but the play was negated since Stover was called for a holding penalty against Greenard.
That’s when the former third-round pick became locked in on winning every battle against Houston for the next four quarters.
“First play of the game, they tried to block me with a rook,” Greenard told the Houston Chronicle following the game. “They tried to block me with a rookie tight end. It’s disrespectful. I ain’t never seen that.”
Greenard, who arguably was the Texans’ top defensive player for two years under Lovie Smith and DeMeco Ryans, already felt disrespected by the AFC South champs after not reportedly getting an offer in the offseason. Even though he didn’t say anything publically, players knew the importance of Sunday’s victory to Greenard’s persona.
Jonathan Greenard & other Vikings talking about the Texans blocking scheme on Greenard today via @HoustonChron
“First play of the game, they tried block me with a rook, they tried to block me with a rookie tight end. It’s disrespectful. I ain’t never seen that.” – Greenard… pic.twitter.com/gfVnDiRiJK
— Jacob (@Stroud4MVP) September 23, 2024
“He was amazing,” former cornerback Shaq Griffin told Vikings reporters. “He was absolutely amazing. I feel like it was the perfect time to get three in one day. I’m glad it was against the Texans. So I’m happy for him.”
After a breakout 2023 season that resulted in 12.5 sacks, Greenard inked a four-year, $76 million contract with the Vikings in March. Houston responded by signing former Vikings star Danielle Hunter on a two-year deal.
Through three games, Greenard has 4.5 sacks to Hunter’s 1.5. The season is long, but the Vikings are certainly pleased with how Greenard’s looked to begin an undefeated season.
#Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard this season:
• 4 Sacks
• 17 QB Pressures
• 6 Total Tackles
• 5 QB HitsJust as advertised pic.twitter.com/tRZfbUe4Wq
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 23, 2024
“J.G.’s been huge for us all year with pressure production, but I know all of us are happy to see him ring the bell three times there with three sacks,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said.
Greenard seems to be content with his decision to leave Houston, especially after the offense tried to block him with a fourth-round rookie tight end.
“I’m glad I’m here in Minnesota because obviously they respect me,” Greenard told KPRC 2 Sports‘ Aaron Wilson. “If anyone else want to do that, they can try.”
