Texans' E.J. Speed Encourages Parker Students While Chasing Super Bowl

Linebacker joins Toro to motivate kids ahead of STAAR test, confident in team's playoff potential

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:50am

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A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange hues, conceptually representing the energy and intensity of a football game or match.The Texans' spirited community outreach and high-energy team culture fuel their Super Bowl aspirations.Houston Today

Texans linebacker E.J. Speed visited Parker Elementary School to encourage students preparing for the STAAR test, joining the team mascot Toro in a fun dance performance. Speed emphasized the importance of positivity and preparation, drawing from his own experience of doing well on the test growing up. The linebacker is optimistic about the Texans' chances of contending for a Super Bowl after signing a new two-year contract, confident in the team's heart and talent despite falling short in the playoffs last season.

Why it matters

The Texans' outreach to local students highlights the team's commitment to supporting education and inspiring young people in the community. Speed's message of positivity and perseverance resonates beyond just football, providing an uplifting example for students facing important academic tests.

The details

During the special assembly at Parker Elementary, Speed and Toro performed a 'scuba dance' to energize the students ahead of the STAAR test. Speed emphasized the importance of preparation and having fun with the test, drawing from his own positive experience. The linebacker is coming off a strong first season with the Texans, emerging as a key part of the defense and special teams. He recently signed a new two-year contract to remain in Houston, confident in the team's ability to contend for a Super Bowl after three consecutive playoff appearances.

  • The special assembly at Parker Elementary took place ahead of the annual STAAR test.
  • Speed signed a new two-year, $13 million maximum value contract with the Texans in the offseason.

The players

E.J. Speed

A linebacker for the Houston Texans who played a key role on defense and special teams in his first season with the team, helping them reach the playoffs. He recently signed a new contract to remain in Houston.

Toro

The official mascot of the Houston Texans, who joined E.J. Speed in performing a dance for the students at Parker Elementary.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we are put in this place to motivate them to chase their dreams. It's a great event to motivate them to get to the goals they need. Growing up, it's always good to hear positivity.”

— E.J. Speed, Texans Linebacker

“Just having a blessing to go back and fight with those guys that I fought with last year. We created our brotherhood. They accepted me last year. Now understanding that more is expected, so me just raising my level of play and I'm sure everybody else is on the same trend because I know the heart of this team. Everybody just raising their level of play to reach the ultimate goal and go get that Super Bowl.”

— E.J. Speed, Texans Linebacker

What’s next

The Texans will continue their offseason preparations, with expectations high for the team to make another deep playoff run and potentially reach the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

E.J. Speed's visit to Parker Elementary showcases the Texans' commitment to supporting their local community, while the linebacker's optimism about the team's prospects reflects the high hopes surrounding the squad as they chase a championship.