The Houston Texans opted to draft Houston Cougars wide receiver Nathaniel (Tank) Dell in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night. What many don’t know is that Dell had planned on staying in the city for quite some time now.
Dell was one of the most impressive players in the country last year at Houston, leading the FBS in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
The Texans opted to keep him in Houston, selecting him with the No. 69 pick in the draft.
https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1652124671163113472
After making the selection, the Texans’ social media team released a message that Dell sent them back in December, pleading with the team to keep him in Houston.
“Don’t let me leave the city,” Dell wrote to the Texans with the heart emoji.
When you're made by H-Town, you call your shot. pic.twitter.com/Y9cbwHSf6D
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 29, 2023
The Texans granted his wish, and Texans fans are very happy that the team did so.
Bro this is so dope.
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) April 29, 2023
This is sick 👏🏾 https://t.co/r8nZEJsmcG
— Akbar Sunesara (@akbarsunesara) April 29, 2023
Shot his shot and scored. The Texans completed a Hollywood movie plot today. https://t.co/qXGhrRzdoA
— James Roy (@n1texansfan) April 29, 2023
Tank shot his shot and made it😭🔥 https://t.co/hJdSFyghP0
— Ranch™ (@victoorola) April 29, 2023
I might cry, we have been waiting on this connection to the city culture 🌊🥲. https://t.co/6z6r1S1lmT
— Mike West🤘🏾 (@HoustonHero713) April 29, 2023
https://twitter.com/Clutch_City_JG/status/1652140281687588864
Video of the moment Dell was notified that he would be drafted by the Texans emerged. To say that he was happy about the news would be an understatement.
“It’s on coach, it’s on,” Dell told Texans first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. I promise you it’s on.”
He also took to Twitter to reveal his excitement about staying in Houston.
HOUSTON IM STAYING HOME LETS GET IT!!!!🫶🏽🫶🏽
— Flash1x⚡️ (@Tankdell4) April 29, 2023
Dell will seemingly be part of a number of huge changes in Houston. Houston notably took Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick, so their offense will likely look entirely different next season.
