Johnathan Joseph has seen faces come and go in the Houston Texans secondary, and he commands a great deal of respect down in Houston.
The 35-year-old has seen plenty from newly signed safety Tashaun Gipson. After all, Gipson used to be with the Jacksonville Jaguars, so, Joseph saw Gipson at least twice a season since 2016.
Through two weeks of organized team activities, Gipson is earning praise from Joseph.
“I think, in our defense, the safety is supposed to be versatile in our defense,” the 35-year-old told reporters Wednesday. “I think he fits the mold of what we’re looking for in a safety. So, I think he’ll come in adjust accordingly.”
The former Cincinnati Bengal was well aware of Gipson and his impressive backstory prior to his arrival at NRG Stadium.
“Obviously, he’s been to the Pro Bowl before,” said Joseph. “He’s made several big plays. He’s been on a winning defense over in Jacksonville. He made big plays when he was in Cleveland. He’s earned his contract as a guy that’s undrafted, so I think that any time you have a guy like that willing to come in, he’s able to show the younger guys the ropes also and help out and be a leader also.”
The 28-year old undrafted former Pro Bowler joins Houston after being let go by the Jaguars this offseason. With Tyrann Mathieu gone, it is down to Gipson to fill his large shoes at safety and show youngsters Justin Reid, Lonnie Johnson, Jermaine Kelly, and Xavier Crawford the ropes.
