ES #45

E.J. Speed

Linebacker · Tarleton State

E.J. Speed is a Houston Texans linebacker who joined the team in 2025 after six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Speed was a fifth-round pick out of Tarleton State in 2019 and developed into a starting-caliber linebacker with the Colts. He signed with Houston in 2025 to play for DeMeco Ryans' rising defense and contributed as a rotational starter. A torn quad tendon discovered this offseason is expected to sideline him for the 2026 regular season.

★ Six-year NFL starter at linebacker

★ Re-signed by Houston on a two-year deal worth up to $13 million (2026)

Path to the league

Speed played his college ball at Tarleton State, a Division II program in Texas, before the Colts selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. He spent six seasons in Indianapolis, growing from a special-teams contributor into a defensive role. He reached free agency and signed with the Texans in April 2025, citing the chance to play for a team on the cusp of contention.

Career highlights

Speed built his early reputation on special teams and speed in pursuit before earning more defensive snaps with the Colts. His move to Houston gave him a fresh start on a playoff team. The Texans rewarded his 2025 work with a two-year deal worth up to $13 million, per click2houston, keeping him off the open market.

2025 season

In his first season with Houston, Speed appeared in 16 games with nine starts, recording 62 tackles, three for losses, two quarterback hits and a pass defensed for a playoff team, per reports. The Texans re-signed him in March 2026. Further testing this offseason revealed a fully torn quad tendon, and after successful surgery he is expected to miss the 2026 regular season, per ESPN.