Growing up in Valrico, Fla., east of Tampa, Jahleel Addae’s earliest memories of professional football had to do with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As a nine-year-old, he got an up-close view of the Bucs, playing in a halftime football game. On Saturday, 20 years later, he returned as a member of the Houston Texans and made his mark.
“I remember being nine years old and running through the lockers and just fantasizing, wishing that we could meet them (the players) and to come back here after 20 years, do what I did today in front of my friends and family is special,” Addae told reporters postgame. “It’s a blessing.”
With 1:31 left in Saturday’s match, the Texans held a three-point lead. Upset, it was in jeopardy with Jameis Winston moving the ball. Like he did 20 years ago, however, Addae came to play.
Winston targeted running back Dare Ogunbowale on a quick-out. Addae got there first and picked it off. The takeaway gave the Texans their 10th win of the season and the AFC South crown.
“I was in man-to-man with the running back, they came out in empty and I read his shoulders,” Addae said. “He started leaning toward the sideline and I said, ‘Risk it or biscuit,’ and I went and got it.”
Addae celebrated. He was going to the playoffs as a member of the Texans. He also got to perform and excel in front of 30 or so family and friends, as he said, to create a moment that will never elude him.
“This is a special moment for life,” Addae said. “I could take this one with me for the rest of my life. All these memories; my son in the stands, my family, my friends, and my parents getting to drive back home and wear this one on their chest.”
