Everything Texans rookie DL Kayden McDonald said following his first practice

McDonald: “Most definitely, just getting out there with my teammates for rookie minicamp. We've all got energy and enthusiasm. It's a great opportunity. At the end of the day, we want to get to L.A. and win a Super Bowl.”

Q: On the attention to detail he’s getting from the coaches

McDonald: “I would say it's different just because you know you're in the National Football League. Like I said, you follow what the coaches do, and good things are going to work out. I'm super coachable and we're going to work.”

Q: On who he leaned on after the first day of the NFL Draft

McDonald: “Just my brother, my support system, my family. I wasn't going to wait long on Day 2, and like I said, everything happens for a reason. I'm on the best defense in the league.”

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Q: On his conversation with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

McDonald: “Roger [Goodell], he told me that I'm going to be a special guy. He's got a lot of respect for me and I've got a lot of respect for him. It meant a lot to me to come back on Day 2 and walk that stage.”

Q: On his comfort level being out there

McDonald: “Definitely. Coach Rod, he always gets us going. I like the energy and that's what I feed off of. That's what I'm going to give to my teammates.”

Q: On what he’s learned in these first few days here at rookie minicamp

“I would say, like I said, the $50 and $40 million line, Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. You've got Tommy, Sheldon [Rankins], those guys, they follow that track. I stay on that track, and I'll get to that second contract.”

Q: On if he thought Houston could be a potential destination in the pre-draft process

McDonald: “Yes, sir. I thought it all the way through. Texans, they made it clear who the best defensive tackle was. It's a blessing to be here. I'm ready for the opportunity.”

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) takes the field for the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.

Q: If he thought he’d end up in Houston on Day 2 of the NFL Draft

McDonald: “The staff believes in their players and who they draft. I'm just so thankful to be around this great team, this great organization. You've got a coach that really cares about his players, it don't get no better than that. He's really a players' coach and I love him to death.”

Q: On if he’s gotten a chance to speak with DT Sheldon Rankins

McDonald: “Yes, sir. He texted me when I got drafted and just let me know if I need anything. All those guys…Will, I met him at the Rockets game, Sheldon, Tommy, Danielle [Hunter], all those guys. It's a warm welcome. We've all got to go together. We've all got to make this work. We already got one goal and that's to win the Super Bowl.”

Q: On if he knows DT Sheldon Rankins cooks

McDonald: “I know. I got a little grill at the new crib.”

Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) reacts before the 2025 Big Ten championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Q: On if it’s sinking in that he’s in the NFL

McDonald: “Being blessed, staying in the moment. You can't take this for granted. I'm walking out here today, and it's like, ‘This is your first day in the NFL.’ It's not a game anymore, it's a job and you got to take it serious.”

Q: On if he’s using his draft position as motivation

McDonald: “Most definitely. Most definitely. Every day coming in helping my team win a Super Bowl. That's why they drafted me.”

Q: On what he would say to kids back in Georgia that are looking up to him

McDonald: “Keep your head on, like I said. Surround yourself by people you want to be around. Don't look back, just keep looking forward.”

Q: On what he wants to take away from these days at rookie minicamp

McDonald: “Just catching up, getting right in that rotation. Like I said, doing what the coaches ask and helping my team win games.”

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.

Q: On what he has to catch up and learn

McDonald: “Just the basics. Just the basics.”

Q: On his goals individually

McDonald: “Win a Super Bowl, Rookie of the Year, All-Pro first year. These are realistic for me. I wrote these down and I'm blessed to be here and I've got a chance.”

Q: On what it is like to come into a league where your skill set is valued

McDonald: “Like I said at draft night, got to help out the defensive ends, get them to second and long, get them to third and long, let Will and Danielle and all the other guys get off the edge. It's going to work out. Three and out, get off the field, give it back to C.J. and go score.”

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: Everything rookie DL Kayden McDonald said following his first practice