Last week, news broke that linebacker E.J. Speed was leaving the Indianapolis Colts for the Houston Texans, one of the Colts' most hated divisional rivals. Previously named one of the top 50 free agents in the league, losing Speed will be a huge blow for the Colts' defense.
In 2024, Speed had 142 total tackles, five passes defended, 13.5 stuffs, one blocked kick, and his first career interception, though he was also the league leader in missed tackles. Despite that, he was an in-demand free agent, and the Texans were able to poach him from Indianapolis.
Now, in a new interview with KPRC2 Houston, he explained what led him to leave the Colts, and how he feels about playing his former teammates twice a year.
First, Speed pointed to the Texans' defense as part of the lure for him. The Colts defense has struggled, though defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was fired, and Lou Anarumo hired to take his place for 2025.
“Quite honestly, DeMeco Ryans, defensive minded head coach, I loved what he did up in San Francisco with Fred and Azeez,” Speed said. “He always had a great linebacking corps. He actually worked me out coming out of college, so that was a good thing. We had that tie through there and just knowing what he did in the league. It’s always a good thing when you play with somebody who’s been through everything you’ve been through as a player and did it at a high level. That was a big part of my decision going to Houston.”
Video: E.J. Speed joined #Texans to chase Super Bowl 'They're on the cusp'https://t.co/KdayId5wp2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 31, 2025
Furthermore, Speed insinuated that leaving Indianapolis gives him a better chance at achieving his career goals.
“Of course, I played these guys twice a year so I know their goals. Their goal is to go win a Super Bowl. They’ve got a loaded team. They’ve got rookies that did their thing this year. They’ve got veterans who did their thing this year. They’re right on the cusp of doing what needs to be done, but everybody knows that Sunday is the only time you can prove everything. You’ve got to prove it on Sunday," he said, adding,
“I just want to to be the best in the league. I want to be the best in the league at my position, at the Will position. Right now, it’s Pro Bowl or bust for me. I got to get to the pinnacle of the position. At this point, I’m not letting that pass me by.”
Unlike some other free agents who have left Indianapolis, Speed doesn't appear to have any ill feelings towards the Colts, and looks forward to playing them twice a year.
“That will be lit. Playing against some of those guys like JT and AR, I always got to play against them in practice, but I never got to bring them down, so it will be fun. I love Lucas Oil. I love the fans. I love Indianapolis, just taking a chance on me as a Division II kid in the fifth round," he said.
“For whatever reason, it came to an end and now I’m in Houston. They took a chance on me, so it’s time to give them everything I’ve got. Situationally, going back to Indy, playing my guys that will be super fun. They’ll tell you the same thing. I’m a competitor. I talk a lot of trash in practice. Now, I get to back it up in games.”