Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard looked around the visiting locker room one
last time with the thought in the back of his mind that he could have potentially played his last
game in a Texans uniform.
Known for his passion on and off the field, the third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of
Florida had been through tumultuous times with Houston, having survived the adversity of
numerous coaching changes, injuries, the COVID pandemic, etc., to finally get to the point of his
team regaining respectability around the league and NFL analysts.
Many could see the potential of the franchise moving forward with young talents such as
quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, and one player in particular
who became like a younger brother throughout the season in Will Anderson Jr., who played
opposite of Greenard on the defensive line.
“I had a great time in Houston,” Greenard said exclusively to Big Sarge Media in a phone interview.
“What we did this past season was a testament to all the hard work we put in from the start of
OTAs to the last practice before Baltimore.”
“Those guys are family to me, and none of that would have been possible had it not been for the
McNairs taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to play for their organization.
Giving me a chance to live out my dream.”
Greenard, 26, was given an opportunity to continue living out his NFL dreams when the
Minnesota Vikings, who needed to replace their four-time Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter, signed
him to a four-year, $76 million contract that averages $19 million a year, making him one of the
highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL.
“The Vikings knew exactly what they were looking for, and I fit the criteria,” said Greenard. “I
would have loved to stay in Houston and see what we could have done there, but now it’s time to
start a new chapter in my life with the Vikings.”
Not only will he be preparing for his new surroundings in Minnesota, but the father of a beautiful
five-month-old daughter named Rayna is also preparing to walk the aisle with his fiancée Alta
Gracia as their wedding date is rapidly approaching.
“One reason I wanted to complete free agency so quickly is that I wanted my soon-to-be wife to
know exactly where we would be spending the next three to four years,” said Greenard. My
family is very important to me, and I want to be in a stable environment to have that financial
stability for our future.
Minnesota signed linebacker Blake Cashman to ensure that Greenard, the Texans’ leader in
sacks, with 12.5 last season, would have a familiar face in the locker room and on the field.
Cashman led the team in tackles last season with 106 (40 solo).
“It is good to have someone you know when you are going into a new situation,” Greenard
responded when asked about Cashman. I already know his style of play and his on-the-field
tendencies. Our lockers will probably be next to each other, which helps throughout the week
and also with game planning.”
Greenard has no negative feelings towards his former team for not re-signing him. He has been
in the NFL long enough to know how the business side works. The one thing he will genuinely
miss outside of the fans who supported him throughout his time in Houston is his former
teammates, who are still with the Texans.
“Those guys know that my departure is not a goodbye or an end to our friendship, it is just the
nature of the business,” said Greenard. “They have my number and know that I am available for
them when they need to talk.”
Greenard paused before he finished his statement and started to laugh.
“Except when we play them this season,” he joked. I don’t want to talk to them until after the
game is over.”