KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tommy Togiai is no longer a secret.
Especially not to Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
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The Texans’ defensive tackle, a newly-minted starter as the replacement for an injured Tim Settle Jr., led the defense with 10 tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits and a tackle for a loss Sunday night in a pivotal 20-10 victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
The former Ohio State blue-chip recruit made his presence felt in a major way against Mahomes, who threw three interceptions.
“Another guy that probably doesn’t get recognized a lot is Tommy Togiai,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He started it off for us. He was consistent all night. It was a relentless effort from our entire group.”
Togiai is justifying the investment the Texans placed in him earlier this season when he was signed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract extension through the 2026 season.
“I think the biggest thing was just owning the plan, just executing to the best of our ability, and just taking the ball,” Togiai said. “We got three turnovers, that’s always the minimum for us, so it was good to go out there and take the ball.
“That’s nature of this defense, from top to bottom, left to right, we all hit, we all run and hit, so I just had a good opportunity to do that today. I executed, so really thankful for that moment, and thankful for just to be out there with my teammates.”
The Texans have the top-ranked defense in the NFL for fewest points allowed and yards per game. Togiai is an emerging piece in a defense headlined by defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter and All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr.
“I’m just really grateful to be a part of this defense,” Togiai said. “There’s a lot of good players that motivate me day in and day out. Just become a better player, and yeah, I think that’s the biggest thing. We all motivate each other, and it’s a special group.(
At age 25, Togiai is the youngest defensive tackle on the active roster. It was a significant moment for Togiai, a former Cleveland Browns fourth-round draft pick from Ohio State.
“Just relieving, honestly,” Togiai told KPRC 2. “Very excited, obviously, that they trust me with that and everything, so I’m very grateful for this organization and for God most importantly.
“It’s an honor. I don’t take that for granted. I’m gonna come in each and every day and prove that, you know, I’m worth that investment. So I’m taking day by day and prove it each day.”
Togiai got promoted from the Texans’ practice squad last season and had a sack against the Tennessee Titans.
Togiai played in eight games, recording 28 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and two tackles for losses last season.
Ryans calls Togiai ‘Mr. Consistent.’
“Tommy hasn’t exceeded expectations, Tommy expects high things from himself,” Ryans said. “I don’t think there is a harder worker on our team than Tommy. I can vividly remember coming in the building in February after the playoffs and the first player I see in our weight room is Tommy. He’s in there working out, squatting, grinding already. It’s not a surprise to us what Tommy has done because in the background he’s always working. As consistent as ever.
“That’s what it takes to be a pro. Guys who make it in this league, guys who play for a long time, they’re consistent. You can count on them. That’s why he made our team. So, I’m very proud of Tommy and very happy for him because he’s a guy who definitely deserved to make our team. He made play after play throughout training camp. I know Tommy can help us win games.”
Togiai is one of the stronger defensive linemen on the roster. He ran a 4.98 in the 40-yard dash and had a 32-inch vertical leap at his campus Pro Day.
When Togiai was auditioning for the NFL at Ohio State. he was disappointed to only bench press 225 pounds 40 times. It’s an impressive feat, obviously, but he had been hitting 45 reps during his training sessions. He has squatted 700 pounds in the Texans’ weight room.
“I think my strength comes from that I was training early on,” said Togiai, a former Idaho High School Player of the Year. “My dad was big on raising us kids in the gym. I think that is where it started from.”
True to his nature, Togiai had an understated reaction to the good news.
He and his wife hung out after he signed the deal, but there was no big celebration.
“Not too big on the celebration thing, just kind of still in-season,” Togiai said. “So, I’m just locked in, doing everything I can for this team, and just taking it day by day.
“Just very grateful for them that they trust me and just take it day by day and prove my worth each and every day.”
Togiai had one sack in the preseason.
“Tommy is one of the hardest-working players in our building,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Probably one of the most consistent players from the start of the offseason program until now. He started training in February. He’s one of the strongest guys on the team. Tommy was a good football player at Ohio State.
“Had some injuries, shortchanged him there a bit. But Tommy is an NFL football player. He’s got the right mindset. He’s got the right attitude. He works his tail off. He goes out there and makes plays. He’s been really good to work with. He’s taken advantage of the opportunities when they’ve been provided. We’re glad he’s here.”
Togiai is an example of the outstanding depth on the defensive line.
“We call the defensive line the engine,” Togiai said. “The engine of the team, not just the defense but the team. In that room we have a great group of guys.
“We feed off each other. Someone makes a play, we feed off of that energy. It makes me want to go make a play myself. I think that is a great room to have.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com