HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have released T Derek Newton, the team announced today.
"I've always admired Derek Newton's work ethic and dedication to the game of football," said Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien. "He has been a terrific teammate and someone who constantly put the team first. We wish him the best."
Newton ruptured the patellar tendon in both knees in a Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 of the 2016 season. The seven-year NFL veteran was selected by his teammates as the 2017 Ed Block Courage Award winner.
A seventh-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, Newton quickly became one of the most versatile and durable players on the Texans offensive line. He appeared in 82 games and made 68 career starts, including a 56-game start streak from 2012-16, which marked the fifth-longest active streak in the league at the time. Newton has played both tackle positions and both guard spots in his career.
