Texans’ Ed Ingram believes fresh start changed everything

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A change of scenery has made all the difference for Houston Texans offensive lineman Ed Ingram.

After three uneven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he eventually lost his starting job, Ingram arrived in Houston last offseason looking for a fresh opportunity. One year later, he has not only revived his career but also earned a three-year contract extension after turning in the best season of his NFL tenure.

Ingram credited Texans offensive line coach Cole Popovich for helping him rediscover his confidence and elevate his play.

“What better place for them to be than Houston?” Ingram told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. “I came here, I excelled. Shout out to Cole Popovich. He never let me get complacent, and he always challenged me. Personally, I’ve always thought I’m a great player. All I need is the right person to help me. Coming here was probably the best thing to ever happen to me in my career, coming here and having a coach.”

The numbers support Ingram’s belief. During the 2025 season, he allowed a career-low 6.4% pressure rate, a significant improvement over his previous years in Minnesota. His consistency made him one of the few bright spots on a Texans offensive line that struggled throughout the season to establish the running game and consistently protect franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Despite the unit’s overall challenges, Ingram’s performance stood out enough for Houston’s front office to make a long-term investment, signing him to a three-year extension this offseason. The deal reflects the organization’s confidence that he can continue to anchor the interior of the offensive line as the Texans pursue deeper playoff runs.

Now entering the prime of his career, Ingram believes his best football is still ahead of him. With another year under Popovich’s guidance and greater continuity along the offensive line, the former second-round pick has an opportunity to build on last season’s breakthrough.

For the Texans, Ingram’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. Protecting Stroud and creating more production in the running game remain priorities heading into 2026, and if Ingram continues his upward trajectory, he could play a pivotal role in helping Houston’s offense reach another level.