Texans' Tommy Townsend lets words fly after Steelers' muffed punt - "Catch the ball, b**ch"
Tommy Townsend is beginning a new chapter of his career in 2024. After four season with the Kansas City Chiefs, he has moved on to the Houston Texans. A two-time Super Bowl winner with the Chiefs, he is now expected to form a strong special teams duo with kicker Ka'imi Fairbarn.
And in the second quarter of Friday's preseason game at the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had a major highlight for his new team. Townsend hit a punt that Quez Watkins muffed, allowing the Texans to recover the ball and regain possession well inside Steelers territory. The Texans defeated the Steelers 20-12.
After the play, he could be audibly heard yelling:
"Catch the ball, b****!"
Tommy Townsend ready for new chapter as a Texan
Texans GM Nick Caserio did not skimp when seeking a replacement for Cam Johnston, who joined the Steelers. He went with a proven winner in Tommy Townsend.
But as the former Kansas City Chief said a few days back, he and his predecessor could not be any more different from each other:
“There is quite a few differences between our games. He hit a lot of the end balls across field, just from his Australian background. I am kind of like a hang time, big-ball punter. Just bang the ball downfield and let the guys go work."
But that does not stop him from looking to diversify his game:
"Something we have been working on a lot is directional punting and really trying to attack sidelines and just put the gunners in the best position possible for them to go down and work.”
Meanwhile, Fairbarn had this to say of Townsend, who will also hold his field goal and extra point attempts:
“He brings a good energy. Good spirit about him. He’s fit in well.”
Also sharing excitement was special teams coordinator Frank Ross:
“Obviously (he) has proven himself in this league, but what have you done to get yourself ready for this year and continue to do that? He does have a good leg and excited to get that ball up there and then go make some tackles. He definitely can hang the ball and excited to see him mesh into our system and match our system to who he is.”