Why Texans receiver Xavier Hutchinson is ‘super proud of myself’

HOUSTON – One of the most important plays of last season for the Texans was delivered in part by wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson.

An incredible display of broken-play brilliance from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud transformed an AFC wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers after a rough start.

Stroud, a former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, sparked the Texans on a busted play as he was studying the defense and took his eye off the football on the snap from center Jarrett Patterson that sailed through his hands, picking up the loose football off the hop and scrambling to the right sideline to complete an inexplicable 34-yard pass to Hutchinson in the second quarter.

That set the stage for the Texans taking control and winning the game and advancing to the AFC divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was Hutchinson who finished with five catches for 86 yards on seven targets in two playoff games and one start in the postseason.

Now, Hutchinson is forging a role in new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s offense as he’s back for his third season with the Texans after being drafted in the sixth round out of Iowa State in 2023. Hutchinson is mentoring fellow former Cyclones receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Hutchinson could wind up as the third wide receiver in some offensive alignments.

“We came in together, did rookie mini camp, did all the rookie meetings, everything,” Stroud said. “He’s a brother of mine. I’m super proud of him. He’s playing with the most confidence that I’ve seen him, He’s balling. He’s doing really well.”

Hutchinson caught 12 passes for 117 yards in 16 games last season and three starts. He was targeted 26 times and had three first downs.

“Obviously, I’m super proud of myself because I knew I put in the work to reap these rewards,” Hutchinson told KPRC 2. “Just got to continue to keep going, got to continue to keep my foot on the pedal, got to keep working.

“I can’t really think too much about it, just got to let football be football. Let how you play be your word. Keep it about one day at a time and not force anything. Just let everything come to me as it will, continue to be who I am each and every day.”

Hutchinson has caught 20 career passes for 207 yards in two NFL seasons.

The improvement is obvious in Hutchinson, who caught 254 passes for 2,929 yards and 15 touchdown in college.

“Hutchinson, first year till now, he’s just gotten better every year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s shown what it looks like when you put the work in and you’re really deliberate about getting better and you want to get better at your craft; you can do that. That’s what he represents.

“That’s what he’s done, and I mean, credit to him for putting the work in, not only here, but putting the work in while he’s away, while no one’s around. He’s working all the time. It’s a credit to him and it shows up. Now he’s in a really good spot to help our team.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.