Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks is one of the most exciting new faces in the NFL. The Texans picked him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of USC, but his journey to this point has been full of growth and hard work.
Marks started his college career at Mississippi State, where he showed glimpses of his talent as a versatile receiver. In his first season there, he caught 60 passes, and in his second season, that number jumped to 83. Even then, he was more known as a receiver than a traditional running back. But everything changed when he transferred to USC for his final college years.
At USC, Marks truly broke out. In the 2024 season, he carried the ball 198 times for 1,133 yards and scored nine touchdowns. He also added 47 catches for 321 yards, showing he can be a threat both on the ground and through the air. Scouts and analysts now see him as a dual-threat running back who could be a star in the NFL.
But Woody Marks isn’t just a name on a stat sheet. His nickname has a story that fans love. His real name is Jo’quavious Dequane Marks, but the nickname “Woody” comes from his childhood. Marks grew up loving the Toy Story movies. For seven Halloweens in a row, he dressed up as Woody, the cowboy toy with the famous line, “There’s a snake in my boot.” That dedication to one character stuck, and now the football world knows him as Woody Marks.
This nickname reflects more than just a childhood obsession. It shows his personality—fun, committed, and a little fearless. He has the same kind of energy on the field, running hard, catching passes, and showing he can make plays happen.
With his combination of speed, receiving ability, and a nickname that fans can’t forget, Woody Marks is poised to have a bright future in Houston. He has the tools, the mindset, and the story to become a favorite for Texans fans, both on and off the field.
