HOUSTON — Marlon Mack dashed toward the sideline, cutting crisply away from pursuit on the Texans’ practice field as he accelerated into the secondary. It was reminiscent of Mack’s old form as the Indianapolis Colts‘ primary running back three seasons ago when he was one of the most elusive runners in the league after building a reputation for his explosiveness.
Houston Texans RB Marlon Mack embracing fresh start
For Mack, every practice and this prime opportunity to resurrect his career are significant. Embracing a fresh start after being limited to a combined seven games, 32 carries, and 127 yards due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the first game of the 2020 season, Mack is determined to capitalize on his chance to energize the Texans’ lackluster running game and right his career.
It’s an entirely different feeling than the pain and doubt Mack experienced after his right leg crumpled underneath him while catching a pass from Philip Rivers over the middle against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mack immediately grabbed the back of his ankle, writhing in pain on the ground. He was helped off the field by a trainer. On the bench, while being examined by a team doctor, Mack shook his head upon the realization that he had sustained the first serious injury of his career.
In the months after the injury, Mack was upset as he regained the ability to walk. Eventually, he was able to run fast again. The support of his parents, girlfriend, teammates, and the Colts’ training staff got him through the uncertainty. The tears subsided, replaced by a familiar smile.
“They were all there for me, and that helped mentally because it’s a big thing that happened to you: my first major injury,” Mack said following an organized team activity. “Guys were in my corner and helped me get through it. Being in the building actually helped me, staying around football and getting back that confident in myself and not being too down on myself.”
Mack’s resilience shined bright through injury
After rushing for a combined 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns across 2018 and 2019, Mack made a full recovery by last year. By then, though, he was behind Jonathan Taylor, a gifted All-Pro runner who rushed for an NFL-high 1,811 yards and 17 TDs last season, and Nyheim Hines on the Colts’ depth chart. Mack requested a trade, but nothing materialized. As a free agent, he signed a one-year, $2 million contract that included a $250,000 signing bonus to join the Texans.
Mack used the past two years biding his time, working on himself physically and mentally. It was an educational experience and a time of reflection for Mack, a former Colts fourth-round draft pick from South Florida.
“I learned that I don’t dwell on things too long,” Mack said. “Especially that first week after I got hurt, I was pissed. I was down on myself, crying. After that first week, I was like, ‘What now? What do I do now? How can I bounce back and get back to that performance I once was?’ I believe in what I can do when I get that chance to do what I can do.”
The Texans have welcomed Mack’s arrival and are encouraged by how he’s performed so far. He joined a team that ranked last in the NFL with 1,422 rushing yards last season and a 3.4 average per carry. Rex Burkhead was the leading rusher with just 427 yards. Mack is enjoying his new surroundings in Houston, despite the franchise being fresh off a 4-13 record.
“Definitely loving it, new coach, teammates, it’s definitely a great feeling, refreshed,” Mack said. “Feel like I’m back in college again, learning new guys again, getting close with guys. It’s a great feeling.”
Texans running back Marlon Mack @PFN365 pic.twitter.com/wwejWqpipt
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL)
Mack is Houston’s best hope of a productive lead back
Mack is part of a backfield that includes Burkhead, rookie Dameon Pierce, a punishing 5’10”, 218-pound fourth-round draft pick from Florida, and third-down back Dare Ogunbowale. Mack appears to be the Texans’ best hope of having a legitimate primary runner. The team unsuccessfully deployed a committee approach in 2021 that included Mark Ingram before he was traded, Phillip Lindsay before he was cut, and David Johnson, a free agent who wasn’t retained.
“Marlon has been a productive player in the league, and we look at his best years he’s had,” Texans coach Lovie Smith said. “Sometimes you need a change, change of scenery, a new team. I know he’s fit in well with our group. We feel like we have a plan for him, and we like the running back position, not just him.”
The Texans need a running game to complement second-year quarterback Davis Mills. Smith emphasized that the Texans, under new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, plan to run the football and expect to carry fullback Andy Janovich on the roster.
“We were trying to upgrade all the positions but running back was one that we thought there were some players out there that fit what we wanted to do,” Smith said. “And Marlon, I’m going to say that about all our running backs, even with our rookie, we have depth at the running back position. You need that. They will all have a role. Odds are, we’ll have a fullback on our roster, so it was a commitment to the run, and with a commitment to the run, you need running backs, and we feel like we have a few that can play.”
At 6’0″, 210 pounds, Mack has breakaway speed. He had a 63-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019 and a 49-yard run in 2018.
Expectations for 2022 season
“Big plays, man,” Mack said. “We going to go out there and do what we do. The offense is getting going. Going out there, ripping it out there. Let guys make plays and do what we do. We are playmakers.”
“Marlon is a hard worker, great guy, pleasure to be playing with him,” Burkhead said. “I’ve watched him from another team the past few years, and so it’s great to have him back there. He comes out, works hard, doesn’t say much, gets the job done in the meeting room and out on the field.”
The past two years weren’t easy on Mack, but he appreciates what he watched from Taylor as he dominated the competition last season and emerged as an elite back.
“It was amazing,” Mack said. “Got to be grateful and enjoy a legendary season. .. It wasn’t tough. Just a cycle in the NFL, I’d say. You learn how to take your ups and downs and be grateful for what you got, and always go 110% and that’s what I did. Learning from being a starter and being a bench guy and you have to adapt and learn and keep going because that’s what it is.”
When Mack isn’t playing football, he’s looking to relax.
“I’m a laid-back guy,” he said. “I love being around my family and friends. I enjoy the game. I don’t do too much. I love to eat. I heard this is a great food city, too.”
Mack is confident in what he can accomplish with the Texans. He’s convinced he’s been back where he needed to be physically for at least a year.
“Most definitely,” he said. “I felt like that last year, just didn’t get a chance for me. Just got to go out there and do the work. Haven’t done it yet. That’s what I’ve got to go do.”
