Will Anderson Reveals Emotional Reaction to Historic $150M Texans Contract, Plans to Retire Parents

Will Anderson became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history when he and the Houston Texans agreed to a three-year, $150 million deal that features $134 million in guarantees, and he immediately thought about his family after finalizing the contract.

"It's really never, ever been about the money for me," Anderson said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "I just think about my family, everything we endured growing up, all the hard times, everything. To get to retire my parents early, to get to see my sisters, my nieces and nephews, the rest of my family, I think that's the biggest blessing for me."

The star pass-rusher pointed out that both his father and mother worked overtime, and it made him quite emotional that he can now take care of his family. 

"I literally just dropped to my knees in total thanks," Anderson said. "Tears. And then I had to get on the flight the same day and I felt bad for the lady sitting beside me, because she was probably concerned about me because I was crying the whole flight.

"Then we FaceTimed my parents . . . my whole family just went crazy. It was a big moment for us. It was bigger than me. I think about my family, everything we've been through, to be able to bless them just as much as they've blessed me."

The contract also features a no-trade clause and highlighted his role as one of the franchise cornerstones for the Texans.

Houston traded up to select Anderson with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, and it was a move that has paid off in a major way.

After all, he is one of the best pass-rushers in the league with a resume that includes a Defensive Rookie of the Year, two Pro Bowl selections and a First Team All-Pro nod in three seasons. He has also helped lead Houston to the playoffs in each of his three years in the league.

Anderson finished the 2025 campaign with 54 tackles, 12 sacks, three passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also appeared in all 17 games.

At just 24 years old, the future remains bright for Anderson. Anything less than more Pro Bowl seasons would be a surprise, and the Texans paid him accordingly as they attempt to reach the postseason yet again with him leading the defense.

And now he can have even more time to celebrate that football success with his family by retiring his parents.