Jamal Marshall: The Comeback Kid

Written by: Keith "Grizz" Crear | SFL Photographer/Sports Blogger 

As the Texans take on Thursday night football, there is one player that is putting it out all on the field. Jamal Marshall, a Houston native has got his shot to earn a roster spot on the Texans defensive team. Tomorrow, Jamal will suit up for the game against the Los Angeles Rams in Houston’s 4th Pre-season game at NRG Stadium where he will get his chance to show Bill O’Brien the Texans organization he deserves a spot.

In case you didn’t know, Jamal received an athletic scholarship to attend University of North Texas, where he played for the North Texas Mean Green football team from 20012 to 2015. He began his career as a Cornerback and played as a true freshman mainly on special teams. He switched to Outside linebacker after his freshman year due to high potential seen by the coaching staff. 

He shadowed outside linebacker Will Wright until his junior where he finally had his break out year at linebacker. Marshall saw action in all 12 games, notching 54 total tackles, including 36 solo, and 7.5 TFL. The prior year he had 27 tackles played all 12 games and notched a season high of five tackles against Tulane. 

During the Heart of Dallas Bowl game he forced a key turnover sparking his path at linebacker. Heading into his final year Marshall decided to go back to his original position, cornerback. His switch back to corner lead him to have a down year only racking up 19 tackles and 3 Pbus. Marshall also ran track at North Texas helping the mean green 4x400m relay reach the regional meet with a time of 3.09.01.

 Later, Marshall was signed to the Seattle Seahawks after impressing coaches in the three day rookie Mini-camp in 2016 as a tryout player, but he was waived on June 1, 2016. 

All that leads to this moment, and this golden opportunity to shine. On Thursday night, Marshall suits up as #38, standing at 6’3. This hometown Defensive Back has EVERYTHING to prove to be apart of the Texans organization. What better football high for this young man right now  to make a comeback and play for his city’s NFL team. 

It’s #ComebackSZN and Jamal Marshal wants all the smoke. #BullsOnParade #TrainingCamp #WeAreTexans