Jalen Pitre

BIOGRAPHY

Jalen Pitre, born on June 3, 1999, is a highly accomplished American professional football player currently playing the position of safety for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). His impressive skills and talent have been recognized not just within his team, but also across the league. Pitre’s journey from a college football player to an esteemed NFL athlete is one of undeniable hard work and unwavering dedication.

Pitre’s journey into the realm of football began in Stafford, Texas, where he attended Stafford High School. An exceptional player even then, it was no surprise when he committed to play college football at Baylor University.

In 2017, Pitre had his first taste of college football. As a true freshman, he made an immediate impact during his time at Baylor, starting in eight out of 12 games and making 37 tackles in addition to one sack. The following year, the sophomore started in one of 13 games, recording 11 tackles. In 2019, despite only participating in four games and taking a redshirt, he continued to contribute significantly, wrapping up the season with 12 tackles.

2020, his redshirt junior year, was a defining moment in Pitre’s career at Baylor. Not only did he start in all nine games, but he also made an impressive 60 tackles, had two interceptions and two sacks, establishing himself as a key player on the team.

Pitre continued his success in 2021, his dedication and excellence on the field earning him a spot as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. He was honored with the title of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, cementing his standing as one of the most outstanding defenders in his conference. Further recognition followed as he also became a Consensus All-American, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to his team.

Following this successful journey at Baylor University, Pitre made the giant leap from the college football scene to the professional leagues. In the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, he was selected as the 37th overall pick by the Houston Texans, the next challenge on his sporting journey.

With the Texans, Pitre quickly found his footing. Already in Week 3, he recorded his first sack and first two professional interceptions in an adrenaline-fueled game against the Chicago Bears. As a rookie, he managed to start in all 17 games, demonstrating his tenacity and determination to make a name for himself in the NFL.

Impressive statistics followed him throughout the season as he accumulated 147 total tackles with 99 being solo, one sack, five interceptions along with eight passes defended. On his team, he led in interceptions, total tackles, solo tackles, and tied for the lead in passes defended. To cap off an exceptional rookie season, Pitre was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in recognition of his raw talent and potential.