Morton Ranch High School Grad Signs $49 Million Contract with Houston Texans

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

March 14, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

Linebacker Danielle Hunter, a Morton Ranch High School graduate, will return close to home for football this year with a $49 million contract with the Texans.

A Former Fighting Maverick, Now a Texan

Danielle Hunter, 29, graduated from Morton Ranch High School in 2012. While a Maverick, Hunter played football and according to Maxpreps earned the title of Morton Ranch Football Player of the Year in 2012. After graduation, Hunter remained true to his purple colors and studied and played for LSU.

Great Addition to a Formidable Defensive Line

After he graduated from LSU, Hunter signed in the 3rd round of the draft with the Minnesota Vikings where he has played for ever since. According to sports experts, Hunter had his breakout season in 2018 with 72 combined tackles and 14.5 sacks, which earned him his first pro bowl and All-Pro appearances. He went on to repeat that the following season, but then spent 2020 and some of 2021 out with injuries.

Last season proved to be a comeback season for the former Maverick. He finished the season with 16.5 sacks, 1,006 snaps and 23 tackles for loss.

Hunter, who will play an outside linebacker for the Texans, will help make a really formidable defensive line. Last year, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was named 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Texans Set for Another Great Season

The Texans had a remarkable season last year even though they lost in the playoffs to the Baltimore Ravens. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led the team the team to a great season and earned himself the title of 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Hunter’s contract is a two-year, $49 million deal, including $48 million guaranteed. The deal has a max value of $51 million.

And forget how his name is spelled. Danielle Hunter pronounces his first name “DUH-neel.” He’s originally from Jamaica, but Katy became his home during his school years. The move to the Texans is sure to be exciting for the once upon a time Maverick.

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