Texans Training Camp: WR Jared Wayne Injury Not Derailing His Desire
Former Pitt Panthers wideout Jared Wayne joined the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent back in May after becoming a second-round pick of the Toronto Argonauts in the 2023 CFL Draft.
Wayne chose to take his chances in Houston rather than join the CFL, and he saw playing time in the club's first preseason game on Thursday. But after getting off to a good start in his first career NFL game, the night was quickly derailed.
Wayne joined the second-team offense and recorded his first-ever NFL catch - a 19-yard reception across the middle of the field - before suffering a hamstring injury. It's expected to keep him out for just two weeks as he appears to have avoided something more serious.
As a native of Canada, Wayne described his draft selection as a "cool process" and is blessed to have interest from both the CFL and NFL. But back in May when he joined the Texans, his desire was apparent. "My focus is on the Houston Texans right now," Wayne said. "I heard nothing but great things about the city of Houston. It's a blessing. I cannot wait to get down there and get started."
Several teams were in play for Wayne, and there were a few who struck his interest. But Wayne became sold on the Texans after a few great meetings with the coaching staff and position coach Ben McDaniels.
Wayne said everyone was on the same page during his meeting. The franchise expressed their winning desires, while McDaniels' message of togetherness and positivity within the position group resonated with Wayne.
"It's a collective group," Wayne said. "There isn't any kind of egos in the building from the coaches' standpoint. Everyone is trying to get better. Everyone is trying to elevate each other. We are all in this together with one common goal."
Wayne played four seasons for the Panthers from 2019-2022. He finished his collegiate career with 2,308 yards with 146 catches in 41 career games. But Wayne's final season at Pitt resulted in him becoming a highly sought-after prospect on the free agency market.
He led the Panthers with a career-best 60 receptions for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns during the 2022 campaign. In his final regular-season game, Wayne led the Panthers to a 42-16 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. He finished with 11 catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns.
Wayne is a second-generation pro athlete. His father, Patrick Wayne, played nine seasons in the CFL. He had a successful career and registered 21.0 sacks as a linebacker. But Patrick's respective career has resulted in Wayne carrying his father's legacy from the CFL to Houston.
"I owe a lot of my success to my dad," Wayne said. "This is his journey as much as it is mine. He has been there with me every step of the way and pushing me to be better each and every day.
"Going undrafted, I don't know what the expectations are. But I am looking to exceed it."
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