Houston Texans fans were “tough to play for,” according to Laremy Tunsil, the former stalwart left tackle now with the Washington Commanders. This candid admission came on the “Boardroom Talks” podcast, where Tunsil opened up about getting booed during the 2024 season after racking up a league-high 19 penalties, a time he clearly hasn’t forgotten since being traded to Washington 18 months ago.
When the Flags Flew, So Did the Boos
Tunsil, who made five Pro Bowls in his six seasons protecting the blindside in Houston, was arguably their best offensive lineman. But man, the penalties. In 2024, he got called for a staggering 19 flags. We’re talking 12 false starts and three illegal formations. That’s a brutal stat line for any tackle. He specifically recalled a loss at Minnesota that season where he was hit with six flags alone, three false starts and three illegal formations. “In 2024, when I got a false start in the stadium, I was getting booed, it’s crazy,” Tunsil told Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s business partner, on the podcast. He added, “Like, support me a little bit. Have my back, they didn’t have my back. Getting booed is crazy. It’s a tough team to play for as far as fans.” Kleiman, a New York Giants fan, even joked he might boo if Tunsil played for his team. Tunsil conceded, “I get it, though.” It’s a wild look into the pressure these guys face, and what happens when the fan base turns on a player, even a Pro Bowler. The Texans traded Tunsil to the Commanders in March 2025 for a second, third, and fourth-round pick.
Stroud’s Support and Tunsil’s Road Ahead
Even with the past fan drama, Tunsil still holds love for his former quarterback, C.J. Stroud, calling him “my dog.” He genuinely felt bad watching Stroud throw four interceptions in the first half of last season’s playoff loss to the New England Patriots, wishing he “was there just to help him not go through that.” Tunsil clearly thinks the world of Stroud, saying, “C.J.’s gonna pick it up, bro. He’s gonna ball. I think C.J. is up there with (Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels) like a top 5, top 7 quarterback. I think C.J. is damn good.” He believes both Stroud and Daniels are “great kids, both hungry, both want it,” despite their different styles. The interview, recorded over the summer, dropped Thursday, but it also came with some tough news for the 32-year-old tackle. Tunsil suffered a torn triceps in training camp and it might keep him out all season. He signed a two-year, $60.2 million extension with the Commanders this offseason, so his focus now is on recovery, hoping to prove that big contract was money well spent when he eventually gets back on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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