The stage was not too big for Dameon Pierce.
The fourth-round running back wrested control of the Houston Texans’ starting job in preseason and debuted as the feature back against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 at NRG Stadium. Although Pierce’s rookie season was limited to 13 games, the Florida product flashed in the national spotlight by earning the “Angriest Run of the Year” at the NFL Honors at the end of the 2022 campaign.
Pierce finished with the third-most rushing yards for a rookie with 939. He could have been first if not for an ankle injury in Week 14 that summarily ended his season.
New Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has not been shy about his appreciation for Pierce’s style of play, and understands why he carried 220 times, more than the rest of the team combined.
“I think he did what he had to do,” Ryans told reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix March 27. “He showed some toughness, he showed some competitive fight in him. I love the way he runs, I love his style, and it’s a style that I really want to continue to feed him. I think that style of running is just — it excites the entire team.”
Pierce averaged 4.3 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns on the ground. The 5-10, 212-pound runner also caught 30 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown.
“He runs with an attitude that I really like and want to see him continue to build his game off of that, but I’m excited to see where Dameon — his growth from year one to year two,” said Ryans.
The Texans also signed running back Devin Singletary, who should be able to help Pierce weather the load. The former Buffalo Bills running back tallied 819 yards and five touchdowns on 177 carries while catching 38 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown through 16 games, all of which he started.
