Houston, Texas – June 3, 2025 — In a heartfelt and unexpected moment that has captured the attention of the NFL world, wide receiver Jayden Higgins made a public and emotional plea to remain with the Houston Texans. Amid swirling rumors about his future with the team following a crowded offseason wide receiver room, Higgins stepped up to the podium after Tuesday’s practice and laid his heart bare.
“I don’t care about the money. I’ll take a pay cut. I’ll prove I’m a good fit for this locker room, this scheme, and this city,” Higgins said, his voice cracking as he spoke. “I just want the chance to keep wearing this jersey. Please—let me stay.”
Higgins, 23, was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State in 2024 and quickly earned praise during preseason play for his work ethic and physicality. Though he didn’t see much action in his rookie season, those close to the team say he made a strong impression on coaches and teammates alike, often staying late after practice and stepping into leadership roles behind the scenes.
But this offseason, the Texans have added new talent at wide receiver through both the draft and free agency, leaving Higgins on the bubble as roster cuts loom ahead of training camp. With limited spots available and fierce competition, the possibility of Higgins being waived or traded has grown increasingly real.
“I’m Not Ready to Give Up on This Dream”
During the emotional media session, Higgins opened up about his journey to the NFL and the personal struggles that shaped his mentality.
“This game saved me,” he said. “I come from a background where not many people make it out. I was told I wouldn’t even make it to college ball. But I’ve fought for every inch of this opportunity. And I’m not ready to give up on this dream, not when I know I have more to give.”
He went on to describe the bond he’s built with the team, particularly quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has praised Higgins in the past for his reliable hands and tenacious route running.
“He’s one of the hardest workers on this team, no cap,” Stroud said in an earlier interview. “He’s always in the film room, always trying to improve. He brings energy, and you know he’s going to run every route like the game’s on the line.”
Fans and Teammates Rally
Shortly after Higgins’s statement went public, support began pouring in from Texans fans and current players. The hashtag #LetJaydenStay began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many praising his humility and passion.
Texans linebacker Christian Harris posted, “A real one. Jayden brings heart to this team. Hope the front office hears him loud and clear.”
Even former Texans receiver Brandin Cooks weighed in, tweeting:
“Sometimes it’s not just about stats—it’s about who a player is in the locker room. Hope Jayden gets his shot.”
Local fans have also made their voices heard. A group of supporters launched a Change.org petition calling for Higgins to remain on the roster, gathering over 10,000 signatures within hours.
A Tough Decision Ahead
Despite the outpouring of support, head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the difficulty of the situation during his own media availability.
“Jayden’s passion speaks volumes about his character, and that’s exactly the kind of guy we want in this building,” Ryans said. “But at the end of the day, we have to make tough decisions that are best for the team as a whole. Nothing’s final yet.”
Sources close to the team suggest the coaching staff is genuinely conflicted. While Higgins may not have the statistical production of others on the roster, his value as a team-first contributor has not gone unnoticed.
“This is where the human side of the business really hits you,” one anonymous team official said. “You see a kid like that give his all, and you want to make it work. But the numbers don’t always make it easy.”
What’s Next?
With OTA sessions wrapping up and training camp on the horizon, time is running short for Higgins to secure his spot. However, he appears determined to fight until the very end.
“I’m not asking for a guaranteed role,” he said. “I just want the chance to compete. Let me earn it. I’ve been doing that my whole life.”
In an era where player-branding and ego often dominate headlines, Jayden Higgins’s raw, emotional plea has reminded fans—and perhaps even executives—of the soul of the sport: grit, gratitude, and heart.
Whether or not he ultimately makes the final 53-man roster, one thing is clear—Higgins has already won over the hearts of Houston.
#LetJaydenStay #TexansNation #NFL2025
