CARD: Panini Optic Contenders 2022
ACQUIRED: eBay, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• A versatile defender who can play OLB or S in a pinch, Jalen Pitre played college ball at Baylor from 2017-’21.
• After he converted to S in 2020, he came into his own, posting 60 total tackles, 13 tfl, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions for 56 yards and 2 TD and 2 pass deflections.
• His Senior campaign was just as impressive with 75 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles.
• Second round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
• Immediately became a darling under HC Lovie Smith’s defense as he was used all over the field his rookie season.
• Jalen finished with 147 combined tackles, 5 interceptions, 8 pass deflections, a sack, and a forced fumble.
• The following season, with Lovie Smith out, Jalen adopted to the SWARM mentality under new HC Demeco Ryans.
• Although no longer the focal point of the defense, Pitre posted 84 total tackles, 5 pass deflections and a fumble recovery.
• He’d grow into his nickleback position and by 2025 had another banner campaign posting 74 total tackles, 12 pass deflections and 4 interceptions.

NOTES:

I’ve been on top of Pitre’s career since he was drafted by the Texans back in ’20. I knew that he’d be there in round 2 and make a great player -so I was elated when they selected him.

Pitre entered the concussion protocol during the 2025 season, and being so critical to the Texans defense and that this wasn’t his first time bumping his noggin, he’s moved ahead and started wearing the Guardian Cap. At first, I sorta laughed at it and said nonono, but after a while it’s really grown on me as his thing. It’s almost comical because the cap is so huge it makes his body look tiny- like he’s playing the Big Head mode on NBA Jam. I have called him Gumball ever since.